“Annie”, originally written by Thomas Leihan, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, produced for this tour by Chris Moreno and starring Su Pollard and David McAlister, at The Grand Theatre in Blackpool until Saturday, 26th November 2011 is definitely that, with stunning performances from a superb cast.
Today’s performance to a packed house was a delight, proving the old show business adage about never performing with children and dogs as a young pupil from Blackpool’s Michael Hall Theatre School stole the show, along with Danny the dog who plays the part of Sandy the stray dog rescued by Annie. Well done to all the other girls of the Orphanage who were also trained by the Michael Hall Theatre School and of course all credit to their teachers.
On the day the announcement that Su Pollard will join the line up for the Strictly come Dancing Christmas Special when the show ends its current run, Su gave a superb performance as Miss Hannigan who runs the orphanage, a role that she has made her own over the past decade or so of touring with the show. Dance Captain Caroline Andrew, who also plays several roles in the production, can be justifiably proud of the delightful dancing in this production. “Not bad for an old ‘un” says McAlister’s character Oliver Warbucks as he dances with Annie, neatly confirming a comment made in today’s “Daily Express” by Ann Widdicombe that ‘older people these days are not given the credit they deserve’.
Several other dancers in this production could be considered as possible contenders for Strictly (irony here because Arlene Phillips did the choreography for the film "Annie") – Ashley Knight, very light on his feet as Drake the Butler, Simone Craddock, as Grace Farrell - a very elegant PA to Mr Warbucks, and Kerry George in the role of Lilly St. Regis, to name but a few.
A live eight-piece band completed the cast and as always thanks should go not only to the young singers who share the title role but to everyone involved in the production - Producer, cast, musicans, sound engineers, lighting, costume designers (fantastic costumes), stage-set designers (brilliant - especially New York City scene and the snow falling during the Christmas Eve scene), back-room staff at the Grand Theatre, volunteers from Friends of the Grand and whoever produced the programme. Wonderful. A brilliant show - do go and see it!
Bookings: tel 01253 290190 or http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/
Remaining Tour Dates:
29 November - 3 December • Empire Theatre, Sunderland - Box Office: 0844 847 2499
5 - 10 December • Scunthorpe Bath Halls - Box Office: 01724 277733
17 - 31 December • The Corn Exchange, Cambridge - Box Office: 01223 357851
