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Annie Stage Experience New Alexandra Theatre **** BRUM's got talent! And a splendid cast of
over 100 youngsters are proving it big time in this heart-warming
musical set in New York during the great depression. Drawn from right across the West Midlands, they
won the right to perform during a series of auditions, guided by a
professional production team, and the end product is remarkable. On opening night Georgia Millie Price played
red-haired Annie, the cheerful orphan who charms President Roosevelt
with her optimism, and she was outstanding. Full of confidence, her
acting was first class and she sang beautifully, especially with
'Tomorrow'. On the tenth anniversary of the Alex's Stage
Experience project, which enables local young people to train and
perform in a professional theatre, there isn't a weak link in the show,
directed and choreographed with her usual skill by Pollyann Tanner. Katie Gladwin excels as the bullying orphanage
boss Miss Hannigan, and there are sparkling performances from Richard
Batham, as billionaire Oliver Warbucks, and Rosie Coles, his secretary,
Grace Farrell. Other fine contributions come from Ameil Hart,
Miss Hannigan's conman brother Rooster, and Emma Robotham-Hunt (Lily St
Regis), while orphans - did you ever see so many on stage - are a joy.
Most experienced member of the cast is Sandy, Annie's stray dog, played
impeccably by Danny who holds the Guinness World Record for the most
performances by a dog in a theatrical show. O 24-08-13. Paul Marston
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