REVIEW: “Annie”, SMTC

Tony Homer reviews Stratford Musical Theatre Company’s “Annie”, 21st May 2025.

The sun has got its hat on

SMTC had planned to stage ‘Annie’ at Stratford Playhouse back in 2020. But the pandemic intervened. Subsequently, they finally started to rehearse for 2025 only for the rug to be pulled again by the temporary closure of The Playhouse. Thankfully, Stratford Town Trust managed to honour the agreement under the guise of Stratford Community Arts Venue. Which all seems like a feel-good story in itself. And so to opening night and what a heartwarming evening it proved to be. ‘Annie’ the musical was created in 1977 over half a century after publication of the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. Since then it has been a popular staple for musical theatre companies particularly after the release of the 1982 film.

 SMTC have managed to create two sets of cast (Hannigan/Warbucks) incorporating 64 actors including a total of 36 young orphans and 22 adult ensemble! If my maths is correct. The story begins in an orphanage in New York City, 1933 where little Annie (Kyla O’Brien) is the mischievous leader of the gang of girls. Consoling to some, motherly to others and always determined to outwit the tyrannical Miss Hannigan (Katie Merrygold). She dreams of finding her long lost parents without knowing if they are alive or dead. After the gentle ‘Maybe’, the show really kicks into life with the energetic, foot tapping ‘Hard Knock Life’ which includes a wonderful cameo performance from Mia Lewellyn Jones as Molly. It is here that the whole company illustrates the great work of choreographer Ainsley Brolly.

And throughout the show, be it ‘N.Y.C.’ or ‘Hooverville’ or ‘You Won’t Be An Orphan For Long’ the dance routines are slick and attention grabbing. Naturally, she runs away from the orphanage, befriending a stray dog, played by the delightfully obedient Bentley. She gets returned by the local cop but miraculously and with a little bravado finds herself taken into the care of wealthy businessman Oliver Warbucks (a benevolent Chris McCoy) for the Christmas holiday. Philanthropist as well as a man with the ear of President Roosevelt, he is ably assisted by his secretary Grace (Louise Sinclair) who shines both vocally and with her colourful dresses. The infamous ‘Tomorrow’ sung with genuine leading lady quality becomes the motif for the whole show and the abiding message of optimism in the face of hardship.

Miss Hannigan is later joined by her scheming brother Rooster (Joe Frerichs) and girlfriend (Elle Cowan). Frerichs is brimming with energy and showmanship delivering ‘Easy Street’, and takes the spotlight whenever he appears. The second half opens in a radio station where Warbucks announces a reward for finding Annie’s parents. Sue Chaperlin leads on ‘Fully Dressed’ which is very much a nostalgic musical number guaranteed to make you smile. As Warbucks becomes ever more emotionally attached to Annie there are some who wish to cash in on the reward for locating her parents by underhand means. 

As to be expected we get our happy ending and the bad guys get carted off stage right!

Whilst the big space of the Arts Venue lends itself to the big numbers and the big cast, the raised stage area is too distant and could have been better dressed with added scenery. But that is a minor criticism on what was a superb achievement for first time director Anya Brown. Suffice to say that this company deserved it’s full round of applause and standing ovation. “Leaping Lizards” indeed!