Annie Get Your Gun Review

THURROCK THAMESIDE MUSICAL SOCIETY - ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

Director: Hilary Martin, Choreographer: Lara King, Musical Director: Clare Penfold

This is the first production of the 1999 version that I have seen to really make the most of what is offered. The starting tableau of the cast in black, the subsequent dressing on stage, the progress through the familiar scenes, with all scene changes in vision using the cast, then discarding costumes into the onstage baskets, with a final black tableau, was a joy to watch. Using minimal on-stage scenery and backcloths, with well judged lighting, the action and changes held the audience attention without a break and gave the production an excellent sense of pace.

Emma Price put plenty of energy into her Annie and her numbers came over well. Paul Cameron gave a great voice and style to Frank Butler. Maria Blakeley was a suitably irritating and disparaging Dolly; Dave Carey as Buffalo Bill and Michael Lambert as Charlie, convinced as increasingly desperate owner and pressured but competent manager of the show. All supporting characters were well developed and, with an enthusiastic chorus, the ensemble numbers came across well, despite a few stepping stumbles in the tricky bits. Musically the standard was high, from both principals and ensemble and the balance between the small orchestra in the auditorium and the stage was managed well for the most part. Overall this was very good stuff and there was a bounce and warmth about the production that clearly pleased the audience, as it did me.