Press Invite
The sun really will come out tomorrow with the beloved story of orphan Annie as the BBLOC stage show plays in Bournemouth this week! I mistakenly thought I had seen the film previously, but think I must have missed most of it as I didn’t know what was coming in the storyline, which always makes watching a stage show fun!
Of course I knew a couple of the songs (Hard-Knock Life and Tomorrow), but I was pleased to enjoy the rest I hadn’t heard before too (especially Easy Street)! Vocally, the actors were brilliant, especially lead Annie, who is dually played by Zanthie Lock and Eva Riisager. I was seriously impressed with how Zanthie commanded the stage, having us believe she really was struggling at an orphanage in earlier scenes. Special mention has to also go out to the other child actors (again dually played across the performances), who gave it their all with fantastic renditions of the songs.
As I mentioned, I didn’t know what was coming next in the storyline, which is set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, but thought the flow of the performance was brilliant. Sometimes I can feel a little trapped due to claustrophobia during long performances, but I didn’t this time. The first act is 75 minutes, but there is so much action and story going on to follow, that it flew by. The second act, following a 20 minute interval, was just as good with a climatic ending and more musical numbers to enjoy.
Staging was done marvellously, with the elegance of Mr Warbucks’ mansion really coming through as well as the poorer areas including the orphanage itself offering a stark contrast. I liked the fact that the story is set in the lead-up to Christmas too, allowing for props such as a Christmas tree to add to the grandeur in the final scenes. Props were used to enhance scenes, such as a the giant laundry basket for the children to play tricks from and hide in, and we cannot forget to mention the use of a real live dog in the performance – no easy feat, from a dog-owner!
BBLOC have previously performed Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and 42nd Street as well as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on stage at the Pavilion, so I knew we would be in for a treat as performances are always professional and immersive.
Miss Hannigan (played by Sally Wheeler) was portrayed really well, adding comedy to the cruelness to create a captivating character throughout. Meanwhile, in contrast, it was interesting to see the strong and somewhat blunt character of Mr Warbucks (played by Jonathan Busk) soften upon meeting and getting to know Annie.
I had a fantastic night at the theatre watching Annie, which had me beaming ear to ear during many of the songs (after all, you’re never fully dressed without a smile!). It is a feel-good story, whilst tackling difficult issues such as poverty and loss of parents with a softened approach, making it suitable for the whole family to enjoy this half term. Performances are on now until Saturday, with family tickets from £85, the perfect treat for those who are looking to avoid the Halloween activities, or simply crave a little escapism. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, I promise, you’re gonna love it!
I was provided with complimentary tickets for the purpose of review, however all words are my own.
