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ANNIE At long last, having been postponed from the Summer Term, we were able to present our Lower Senior Production of Annie . In order to comply with Covid-19 group ‘bubbles’, the 90-strong cast had been carved up into different ensemble groups, and a rehearsal schedule resembling a 3D Sudoku meant that we arrived back in School with a ‘mosaic’ show waiting to be assembled. Pupils had worked so hard over the break to stay on top of their lines, blocking and choreography and the final production is something of which they and the School can be very proud. The Theatre hosted three evening performances and it was a delight to see and hear full houses. An electric closing night led to a raucous standing ovation and encore. Francesca Chittenden, S8 in the title role brought a mischievous energy to complement a massive voice, and her rendition of ‘Tomorrow’ very justifiably brought the house down. Annie is supported in her adventures by a gang of orphans: Duffy, Pepper, July, Kate, Molly and Tessie (Florence Rumboll, S8; Greta Romano, S9; Lua Marks Delgado, S8; Gabriela Febrer, S8; Jasmine Dent, S9 and Jasmine Skipper, S9). This troupe led the various rebellions against Miss Hannigan’s regime.

Annie (Francesca Chittenden) and Mr Warbucks (Brooks Finkel)

S10 Ema Velasco’s slurring, staggering and vicious Miss Hannigan terrified audience and cast members alike. If the characterisation and physical work weren’t already imposing enough, Ema was able to showcase her impressive singing in ‘Little Girls’, ending with a spectacular belt which left nobody in any doubt who ruled the roost. Miss Hannigan was joined by

Rooster (Oliver Visram), Miss Hannigan (Ema Velasco) and Lily St Regis (Emily Begley)

Bert Healy (Esme Perry)

co-conspirators Rooster and Lily (Oliver Visram and Emily Begley, S10) whose evil machinations provide a sinister counterfoil to Annie’s adventures. They made a nefarious, if glitzy, trio. Brooks Finkel, S10 was sensational as the smooth-talking billionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks. He took us on a transformation from cold-hearted businessman to philanthropist and father, all through his silky, showbiz voice which was showcased in ‘Something Was Missing’. Warbucks is ably supported in all things by his immaculately efficient secretary Grace Farrell (Ella Lewis, S9) who, like Warbucks, grows a heart as the story develops.