Annie (Norbury Players)
I'm always amazed at the standard of productions in some of the smallest provincial venues, one really doesn't have to hit the West End of London to see really great Musical Theatre. Instead you should look at the Norbury Theatre in Droitwich and their current production of Annie, probably one of the most authentic and well performed versions of this story that I've ever seen (and I have seen a lot !) a credit to the direction of Melanie Brown who has created a really warm and engaging night of entertainment for any audience.
Let's be clear from the start that Bertie playing the part of Sandy the Dog is a flagrant show stealer, despite only infrequent appearances on stage he captures the heart of everybody and strangely is very comfortable on stage unlike most pooches. Even the girls playing the orphans can't quite achieve his level of lovable, although it is fair to say that Tallula Rose Eglesfield as Molly had a really good go and her cohorts on stage from Team Rooster, Matilda McCracken (Duffy), Holly Dufty (Pepper), Scarlett Eglesfield (July), Clara Eglesfield (Tessie), Mae Horton (Kate), Amy Meredith and Poppy Hewitt are assured and confident on stage, stirring the audience to rapturous applause on many occasions.
Excelling in the role of Annie is Darcie-Ella Eglesfield (I'm noticing a theme here, the Eglesfield Sisters have taken over !), some clear vocals and an innate ability to build relationships on stage make her ideal casting for the role.
Jonathan Boxall-Southall's rendition of Miss Hannigan is a wonder, slightly scary in many ways but, a stunning portrayal of an iconic part and make-up that it will be difficult to erase from the mind, conversely Keith Thompson as Oliver Warbucks is a mellow, relaxed and welcoming performance with some subtle comedy interwoven for good measure and Vicky Lake as Grace Farrell adds some powerful vocals to the mix.
Sam Jeffrey (Rooster Hannigan) and Eleanor Bates (Lily St Regis) deliver some great characterisation as a pair of untrustworthy con artists out for all they can get, I certainly wouldn't buy a used car off them but, their performance (with Miss Hannigan) of 'Easy Street' is one of the highlights of the production.
Some of the smaller cameo performances that are definitely worth watching for are Jake Jones as Bert Healy, Graeme Sinclair as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Matthew Jeffrey as Drake and Karen McCracken, Merie Eglesfield and Grace Duggan as slightly disaffected Boylan Sisters but, it is only fair to say that the whole ensemble cast make this the show that it is, one you shouldn't miss.
Running only until 26th October 2019, you seriously need to book some tickets now.
Book Here
Let's be clear from the start that Bertie playing the part of Sandy the Dog is a flagrant show stealer, despite only infrequent appearances on stage he captures the heart of everybody and strangely is very comfortable on stage unlike most pooches. Even the girls playing the orphans can't quite achieve his level of lovable, although it is fair to say that Tallula Rose Eglesfield as Molly had a really good go and her cohorts on stage from Team Rooster, Matilda McCracken (Duffy), Holly Dufty (Pepper), Scarlett Eglesfield (July), Clara Eglesfield (Tessie), Mae Horton (Kate), Amy Meredith and Poppy Hewitt are assured and confident on stage, stirring the audience to rapturous applause on many occasions.
Excelling in the role of Annie is Darcie-Ella Eglesfield (I'm noticing a theme here, the Eglesfield Sisters have taken over !), some clear vocals and an innate ability to build relationships on stage make her ideal casting for the role.
Jonathan Boxall-Southall's rendition of Miss Hannigan is a wonder, slightly scary in many ways but, a stunning portrayal of an iconic part and make-up that it will be difficult to erase from the mind, conversely Keith Thompson as Oliver Warbucks is a mellow, relaxed and welcoming performance with some subtle comedy interwoven for good measure and Vicky Lake as Grace Farrell adds some powerful vocals to the mix.
Sam Jeffrey (Rooster Hannigan) and Eleanor Bates (Lily St Regis) deliver some great characterisation as a pair of untrustworthy con artists out for all they can get, I certainly wouldn't buy a used car off them but, their performance (with Miss Hannigan) of 'Easy Street' is one of the highlights of the production.
Some of the smaller cameo performances that are definitely worth watching for are Jake Jones as Bert Healy, Graeme Sinclair as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Matthew Jeffrey as Drake and Karen McCracken, Merie Eglesfield and Grace Duggan as slightly disaffected Boylan Sisters but, it is only fair to say that the whole ensemble cast make this the show that it is, one you shouldn't miss.
Running only until 26th October 2019, you seriously need to book some tickets now.
Book Here
Wow what an amazing review, almost as amazing as the show itself! so glad you enjoyed it & Yes Bertie has loved every minute of it with his 2 human sisters.He is looking to further his acting career!!
ReplyDeleteRachel Checketts (Bertie,Rosie & Felicity's Mum)
We had an amazing time last Saturday night no need to go to London the Big shows are here you can't beet local. We love you all 💋💋💋💋
ReplyDelete