Review: Vibrant and wonderful show from youth group with infectious energy

Wargrave Youth Theatre presents Annie Jr
Woodclyffe Hall, Wargrave
Thursday, November 20

WHAT a tonic on a wintry, November evening to be treated to such a vibrant Wargrave Youth Theatre production of Annie Jr, a slimmed-down version of the hit musical Annie, under the direction of Chez Annetts.

Having been left by her parents as a baby at the New York City Municipal Orphanage, with a promise to return for her, Annie, played by Nancy Hughes with a perfect blend of feistiness and sweetness, was determined to find her parents.

Around her neck she treasured half of a silver locket, in the knowledge that her parents had kept the other half for when they were reunited. Helped by the other orphans, Annie succeeds in escaping the orphanage in a laundry basket to search for her parents, and befriends a stray dog whom she names Sandy, played convincingly by Finlay Skinner.

Alas, she is soon returned by the police to the orphanage and to the care of the formidable and cruel Miss Hannigan, played by Florence Parrett with believable nastiness.

Shortly afterwards the orphanage is visited by Grace Farrell (Marnie Tang), exuding efficiency and compassion. Grace has been sent by the billionaire Oliver Warbucks to invite an orphan to spend Christmas at his home.

Annie makes sure that she is the one chosen and Mr Warbucks, played by Charles Monte with all the authority and confidence of a wealthy American philanthropist, decides he would like to adopt Annie. But Annie is steadfast in her determination to find her own parents. Warbucks agrees and offers a substantial reward for the discovery of Annie’s parents.

Back at the orphanage Miss Hannigan has met up with her brother Rooster (a swaggering Hector Hughes) and his girlfriend, Lily, a tart played by Alice Parrett, and they plot to impersonate Annie’s parents and claim the reward.

Their plan is thwarted as proof is found that Annie’s real parents had both passed away and Annie really is an orphan and can be adopted by Oliver Warbucks.

A happy ending for them all including the dog, Sandy, who followed Annie’s scent until he found her. The success of the production was not only down to the characters already mentioned.

The supporting cast all played their parts with energy and infectious enjoyment. All the songs, sung as solos or ensemble, were a joy to listen to and a testament to the vision and determination of director, Chez, to get everything right.

In addition to the ongoing, excellent backstage team, special mention should be made of the set painters for producing such realistic backdrops of Broadway and a magnificent staircase in the home of Oliver Warbucks, which tempted everyone to run up and down it.

Well done Wargrave Youth Theatre for putting on such a wonderful show.

Joy Haynes