Viva Youth Theatre’s production of Annie was another triumph. Singing this time to a backing track, rather than a live band, the cast rose to the challenge admirably and re-ignited happy childhood memories of my sister and me, playing the whole of the Annie songbook, rather poorly, on recorder.
Our excuse was that we were only nine and seven. Some of the young people in this production aren’t much older than that, but their talent never ceases to amaze.
Younger members of the cast, playing Annie’s orphan friends, in particular sung a wonderful version of You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile – full of verve, jollity and a well-executed cartwheel.
All the leads were well cast – Cara Woods was suitably demure and warm as Grace Farrell, the private secretary to billionaire businessman Oliver Warbucks, and Mr Warbucks himself, Ollie Ellerton, tugged at the heartstrings with his wonderful singing voice. I thoroughly enjoyed his turn as a drunken doctor in Calamity Jane, and he remained convincing as the hardened businessman whose heart is softened by a small ginger orphan, proving that he can sing and act in both comic and serious roles. Not bad for someone who only got involved in musical theatre a year ago.
Naomi Rogers, Craig Carpenter, Jessica Theobald and had a ball as the terrible trio of Miss Hannigan, her brother Rooster and his girlfriend Lily St Regis, who plot to gain Mr Warbucks’ millions. Singing while permanently swigging from a bottle of vodka is a challenge for most, but as in previous Viva shows, Naomi proved herself a great vocal talent.
Susannah Martin took the radical step of dyeing her hair ginger for the role of Annie, and totally convinced as a cute and slightly cheeky orphan. But the starring role has to go to Sandy, Annie’s dog rescued from the streets of New York. Charlie, as he is known in real life, wasn’t sandy coloured, but that didn’t matter a bit. He did exactly what he was supposed to, accompanied by coos and giggles from the audience. Standing ovations, however, were clearly reserved for another all-round excellent performance from a group of hard-working young people that are really putting Soham on the map. Thank you, Viva, for another wonderful night at the theatre.
Catherine Atkinson - The Ely Standard
