Annie Jr

It was a delight to return to Seckford Theatre to support CTC’s Junior Production of Annie Jr. With over eighty young people with the youngest just 5 years old it is a mammoth undertaking for them  to organise. We are so lucky have such a fabulous purpose built venue at Seckford School here in Suffolk, which is suitable to accommodate all these young people from CTC and many other of our local amateur groups.

When Bridie and all her talented team get together you know you are in for a treat and we were not disappointed. It is completely evident that these young performers absolutely adore all getting on stage together, building strong bonds, friendships and having a thoroughly good time. Their collective energy, and enthusiasm, tempered by discipline and focus, are truly remarkable, whilst over the years their confidence and talent grows. The children seamlessly switch from enthusiastically singing and jumping on beds in the orphanage to efficiently managing props and scenery, always ensuring the production runs smoothly. It is quite amazing.

With such a large cast I can only mention just a few of the older leading characters.  The role of Annie is a complex little character, who requires determination, independence, with stage presence and not forgetting a strong and confident singing voice. Izzy Rogers is that ‘tough little cookie’ and fits the role perfectly. Ebony Cranshaw is also excellent in her role as Miss Hannigan, a scheming individual who really couldn’t care less about the children in her care, but simply to make her life as easy and comfortable as she can. Grace Farrell, Mr Warbuck’s secretary, on the other hand is such a warm and caring lady and is beautifully portrayed by Grace Boyton. Having seen her several times before she is excellent in this type of role.  Alex Townes plays the wealthy billionaire Oliver Warbucks, a very focused character that comes to discover there is something missing in his life as he learns to love this little orphaned Annie. There were many other individual character parts and all were also beautifully played by this talented cast as befits the high standards that CTC set.

The musical score is packed with so many iconic songs all beautifully sung with quality performances from both the principles and ensemble alike with the help and encouragement of Erin Simpson. Rosie Fuller also had her work cut out in choreographing this large cast all in perfect time and knowing exactly where they are going. In some of the big chorus numbers the audience were surrounded by the cast, with some of them in the isles singing and dancing their hearts out. Bless them. It was a joy!

As always, all the costumes are different and individually designed with hours of work going into making and adapting them to fit both the smallest to the tallest of the cast. Sound and lighting was effective in enhancing the production and set was quick and efficiently managed often with the cast assisting in scene changes.

Another fabulous production with grateful thanks to all the numerous helpers on the creative team and to the splendid cast.  We and your supportive audience loved it. It was good to catch up with you all again.

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