Annie, Astravaganza Entertainment Review
Written by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
Astravaganza Entertainment's summer school production of Annie at the Playhouse Whitley Bay was a heartwarming display of local talent, filled with passion, energy, and commendable effort from all involved.
The young cast brought infectious enthusiasm to the stage, with the role of Annie being handled beautifully with a charming stage presence, by Charlotte Pledger-Lowes, who captured the character’s optimism and resilience. Her rendition of "Maybe" and "Tomorrow" were poignant moments filled with hope and earnestness. The orphans were a delightful ensemble of unwavering energy, delivering their songs with a spirited charm that won the audience over.
Miss Hannigan, played with a deliciously wicked edge by Deborah Taylor-Smith, managed to balance the character's cruelty with a touch of comedic timing. The roles of Daddy Warbucks (Brian Jordan) and Grace Farrell (Amelia Cavagan) were portrayed with sincerity, their chemistry adding a warm layer to the story and the iconic duo of Rooster Hannigan (Corey Clarke) and Lily St Regis (Luisa Gibson) were attacked with sleek charisma. The supporting cast also did well, bringing the remaining characters to life with a determined approach.
The direction was solid, making good use of the Playhouse’s space. Scene transitions were generally smooth to ensure a steady pace remained throughout. The decision to keep the staging simple worked in the production's favour, allowing the audience to focus on the performances and the story rather than getting lost in overly elaborate set pieces. The choreography was well-suited to the capabilities of the performers, with the cast executing their moves with enthusiasm. The famous "Hard Knock Life" number was particularly well done, with the young performers attacking their moves to great effect.
This production of Annie was a charming and heartfelt experience. It showcased the talents of a dedicated group of performers who clearly enjoyed bringing this musical to life. While there were a few moments in need of refinement, due to a limited rehearsal period, these were easily overshadowed by the warmth and enthusiasm that shone through. The audience left with smiles on their faces, humming the familiar tunes, which is a testament to the production’s success.
At Playhouse Whitley Bay until 31 August 2024.
★ ★ ★ ★
