Finely tuned, faultlessly choreographed and emotively scripted, the Cambridge Operatic Society’s performance of Annie is both compelling and heartfelt.
Snarly New York accents, fur coats and smart suits, and set amid the Great Depression, the famous tale is bought to life as a timely testament to down-trodden 1920’s America.
Phoebe Poulter-Kerry plays Annie brilliantly, with compassion and emotion, whilst Suzanne Emerson shines as the child-hating, struggling to cope Miss Hannigan, who turns to the bottle when life gets her down.
Whilst the orphan girls run rings around her, playing tricks and games - no more so than mischievous youngster Molly (Lydia Amy Ward) - all Miss Hannigan wants is to meet a wealthy man...
Fittingly, it’s not long until she learns about billionaire businessman Oliver Warbucks (Steven Waring) whom, despite having buckets of money, still feels lonely and unloved - so he decides to adopt Annie for two weeks over Christmas, treating her to a closet full of the finest clothes and a stay in his staff-filled mansion.
For the first time in her life, she doesn’t have to lift a finger; having grown up scrubbing every floor of the orphanage.
After trips to the Roxy cinema and late night walks around his beloved NYC with his assistant Grace (Emma Vieceli), he decides he wants to adopt Annie, fulfilling her dream at last.
With infectious, memorable songs dotted throughout, subtle humour here and there and compelling performances, CaOS once again prove themselves as a multi-talented group. Don’t miss it!
‘Annie the Musical’ is at the Cambridge Arts Theatre until Saturday (21). To book tickets, £18 each, call 01223 503333 or visit www.cambridgearts.theatre.com
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