REVIEW
Little Theatre Company present
ANNIE
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Wed 28th May 2025–Sat 31st May
Wed-Sat at 7.30pm, Thu & Sat at 2.30pm
Signed performances: Thu at 7.30 and Sat at 2.30pm
Little Theatre Company present
ANNIE
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Wed 28th May 2025–Sat 31st May
Wed-Sat at 7.30pm, Thu & Sat at 2.30pm
Signed performances: Thu at 7.30 and Sat at 2.30pm
It’s the school holidays and Little Theatre Company have managed to grab a prime time week to put on their production of Annie at the Palace Theatre, playing all this week.
Annie is the beloved Broadway musical set in 1933 during the Great Depression based on Harold Gray’s comic strip ‘Little Orphan Annie’. It follows the story of red-head Annie, a spirited 11-year-old orphan, living in a miserable New York City orphanage run by the cruel and drunken Miss Hannigan.
Annie dreams of finding her parents, who left her at the orphanage as a baby with a note promising to return. Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the mansion of Oliver Warbucks, a wealthy billionaire. Initially hesitant, Warbucks quickly grows fond of Annie and decides to adopt her.
However, Annie still hopes to find her real parents and Warbucks uses his wealth and influence to search for them, offering a large reward. This attracts the attention of greedy Miss Hannigan, her con-artist brother Rooster, and his girlfriend Lily, who plot to pose as Annie’s parents and claim the reward.
Little Theatre Company have an impressive set for this show and this is matched by its cast. The youngsters who have been brought into the LTC fold look like they’re having a great time performing on the Palace Theatre stage, right from their initial appearance in the orphanage with Annie kicking off with Maybe leading into Hard Knock Life in Act 1, right through to Fully Dressed in Act 2.
The opening night team of youngsters was Team Hoover which consisted of Esmaé playing Molly, Matilda as Pepper, Viola as Duffy, Freya as Kate, Alice as July and Izzy as Tessie with accompanying ensemble orphans played by Amenze, Annabelle, Ava, Ava, Beatrix, Charlotte, Francesca, Joni, Maya and Yasmin. And what a team they were. Willow in the leading role of Annie really took on every characteristic of the feisty orphan and not only did she sing every song with gusto, she also acted her socks off. A special nod also to Esmaé as the smallest orphan, Molly, who clearly has some big comedy bones in that tiny frame and I loved how in one scene she ended up stuck in a bucket much to the delight of the audience! Yep, that’s how teeny she is! All of the girls worked well together and I can only imagine that Team Roosevelt, who are performing on alternate days, will be just as impressive.
Ami Roberts takes on the formidable role of Miss Hannigan and does a great job attempting to terrify the orphans, although I would question that she looks rather too nice and pretty to feel completely imposing, but it's great watching how the orphans poke fun at her behind her back. Along with Lee Keremezo and Laura Harper who take on the ‘baddie’ roles of Lily St Regis and Miss Hannigan’s wayward brother, Rooster, the trio look like they’re having a blast during the Easy Street number and kudos to them for keeping going like troupers during a scene change mishap, which could easily have thrown off the most seasoned of performers.
Bradley Green played Daddy Warbucks at his best when he got the opportunity to use his lovely vocals, not least with the heartfelt, Something Was Missing number. Rebecca Pooley as Warbucks’ secretary, Grace, never once faltered with a wonderful all round performance and I also enjoyed Jamie Redgate’s portrayal of Drake the butler, oozing every ounce of comedy out of his characterisation.
Visually, the show sparkled. The wardrobe department for this production has once again raised the bar with some fabulous outfits throughout from the orphans’ raggedy ensembles to Warbucks’ sharp suits and Grace’s elegant outfits, every character looked the part; even the servants in their black, yellow and white costumes all looking spectacular against the Warbucks’ residence background.
Direction and choreography was, I am told, taken on for the first time for LTC by Heather Smith, Tiffany Stevenson and Sophie Clarkson, with assistance from Vancha Ayris and more seasoned director, Tim Cater, who I’m assured was allowed to have a bit of say in the proceedings! MD, Ashton Moore, has worked his magic with the cast to produce some wonderful vocals and the LTC ensemble sound great in every number and produce some lovely harmonies, accompanied by a great sounding band. The radio show with Ronnie, Bonnie and Connie Boylan allowed Stéphanie Paul, Nicola Bott and Keeley Spence’s voices to blend beautifully and after Annie has sung a wonderful rendition of Tomorrow to the President, there’s an even more fabulous rendition of the whole Cabinet showing off their harmonies which was really powerful.
All the memorable songs are there, Maybe, Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, and Fully Dressed to keep even the smaller audience members engaged, especially when they’re accompanied by some high energy dance routines by the cast so this could be the perfect school holiday treat.
You shouldn’t really go wrong when putting on Annie and whether you like it or not folks, the kids are always gonna steal the show. Huge congratulations to Willow and Team Hoover for being real troupers on opening night and…..sshhhh….don’t tell the grown-ups, but you were all my favourites!
Catch Annie at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff up until Saturday 31st May 2025
Review: Kim Tobin
Annie is the beloved Broadway musical set in 1933 during the Great Depression based on Harold Gray’s comic strip ‘Little Orphan Annie’. It follows the story of red-head Annie, a spirited 11-year-old orphan, living in a miserable New York City orphanage run by the cruel and drunken Miss Hannigan.
Annie dreams of finding her parents, who left her at the orphanage as a baby with a note promising to return. Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the mansion of Oliver Warbucks, a wealthy billionaire. Initially hesitant, Warbucks quickly grows fond of Annie and decides to adopt her.
However, Annie still hopes to find her real parents and Warbucks uses his wealth and influence to search for them, offering a large reward. This attracts the attention of greedy Miss Hannigan, her con-artist brother Rooster, and his girlfriend Lily, who plot to pose as Annie’s parents and claim the reward.
Little Theatre Company have an impressive set for this show and this is matched by its cast. The youngsters who have been brought into the LTC fold look like they’re having a great time performing on the Palace Theatre stage, right from their initial appearance in the orphanage with Annie kicking off with Maybe leading into Hard Knock Life in Act 1, right through to Fully Dressed in Act 2.
The opening night team of youngsters was Team Hoover which consisted of Esmaé playing Molly, Matilda as Pepper, Viola as Duffy, Freya as Kate, Alice as July and Izzy as Tessie with accompanying ensemble orphans played by Amenze, Annabelle, Ava, Ava, Beatrix, Charlotte, Francesca, Joni, Maya and Yasmin. And what a team they were. Willow in the leading role of Annie really took on every characteristic of the feisty orphan and not only did she sing every song with gusto, she also acted her socks off. A special nod also to Esmaé as the smallest orphan, Molly, who clearly has some big comedy bones in that tiny frame and I loved how in one scene she ended up stuck in a bucket much to the delight of the audience! Yep, that’s how teeny she is! All of the girls worked well together and I can only imagine that Team Roosevelt, who are performing on alternate days, will be just as impressive.
Ami Roberts takes on the formidable role of Miss Hannigan and does a great job attempting to terrify the orphans, although I would question that she looks rather too nice and pretty to feel completely imposing, but it's great watching how the orphans poke fun at her behind her back. Along with Lee Keremezo and Laura Harper who take on the ‘baddie’ roles of Lily St Regis and Miss Hannigan’s wayward brother, Rooster, the trio look like they’re having a blast during the Easy Street number and kudos to them for keeping going like troupers during a scene change mishap, which could easily have thrown off the most seasoned of performers.
Bradley Green played Daddy Warbucks at his best when he got the opportunity to use his lovely vocals, not least with the heartfelt, Something Was Missing number. Rebecca Pooley as Warbucks’ secretary, Grace, never once faltered with a wonderful all round performance and I also enjoyed Jamie Redgate’s portrayal of Drake the butler, oozing every ounce of comedy out of his characterisation.
Visually, the show sparkled. The wardrobe department for this production has once again raised the bar with some fabulous outfits throughout from the orphans’ raggedy ensembles to Warbucks’ sharp suits and Grace’s elegant outfits, every character looked the part; even the servants in their black, yellow and white costumes all looking spectacular against the Warbucks’ residence background.
Direction and choreography was, I am told, taken on for the first time for LTC by Heather Smith, Tiffany Stevenson and Sophie Clarkson, with assistance from Vancha Ayris and more seasoned director, Tim Cater, who I’m assured was allowed to have a bit of say in the proceedings! MD, Ashton Moore, has worked his magic with the cast to produce some wonderful vocals and the LTC ensemble sound great in every number and produce some lovely harmonies, accompanied by a great sounding band. The radio show with Ronnie, Bonnie and Connie Boylan allowed Stéphanie Paul, Nicola Bott and Keeley Spence’s voices to blend beautifully and after Annie has sung a wonderful rendition of Tomorrow to the President, there’s an even more fabulous rendition of the whole Cabinet showing off their harmonies which was really powerful.
All the memorable songs are there, Maybe, Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, and Fully Dressed to keep even the smaller audience members engaged, especially when they’re accompanied by some high energy dance routines by the cast so this could be the perfect school holiday treat.
You shouldn’t really go wrong when putting on Annie and whether you like it or not folks, the kids are always gonna steal the show. Huge congratulations to Willow and Team Hoover for being real troupers on opening night and…..sshhhh….don’t tell the grown-ups, but you were all my favourites!
Catch Annie at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff up until Saturday 31st May 2025
Review: Kim Tobin
Leapin' Lizards! The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes centre stage in one of the world's best-loved musicals.
Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, ANNIE features a wonderful score written by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, including: “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”, “Easy Street”, “Maybe”, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and the smash hit “Tomorrow”.
With a perfect combination of street-smarts and optimism, Annie warms the hearts of the audience as we witness her rise from next to nothing in New York City.
She is determined to find her parents, who left her at the orphanage years ago.
Will Annie’s quest for love be realised?
Will she manage to thwart the plans of the evil Miss Hannigan alongside her new-found companion’s billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and her lovable pooch, Sandy?
Annie is the perfect family-friendly musical and a worldwide sensation.
Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, ANNIE features a wonderful score written by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, including: “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”, “Easy Street”, “Maybe”, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and the smash hit “Tomorrow”.
With a perfect combination of street-smarts and optimism, Annie warms the hearts of the audience as we witness her rise from next to nothing in New York City.
She is determined to find her parents, who left her at the orphanage years ago.
Will Annie’s quest for love be realised?
Will she manage to thwart the plans of the evil Miss Hannigan alongside her new-found companion’s billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and her lovable pooch, Sandy?
Annie is the perfect family-friendly musical and a worldwide sensation.
CURTAIN CALL with some of the cast of ANNIE including the 2 Annies!
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Ami, 36, from Leigh on Sea is playing the role of Miss Hannigan
How long have you been a member of Little Theatre Company? I joined in 2021 during Covid as I could do a video submission. I was too scared to audition in person as I didn’t think I’d get in as to me LTC was up there as one of the best am dram company’s in the area but I sent in my tapes, got in and the rest is history! Why did you join? I’d taken a break from performing and wanted to get back into it and as I could do the video submission I decided I had nothing to lose and figured the rejection would be easier via email. But I had always wanted to join as I’d seen quite a few of their shows and was in awe at how professional they were with their staging and lighting etc. The talent on the stage was off the charts and I really didn’t think I’d be good enough to get in so when I got the email I was over the moon! What was the last play/musical you saw? I went to see &Juliet with my Mum at the cliff and it was incredible! I’m not usually a juke box musical fan but the way to music fitted with the story was like it had been written for it. If you could play any role, what would it be? I’ve been lucky enough to play one of my bucket list roles already when I took on the part of Mrs Lovett in 2022 with LTC. Hannigan is another part that is on my bucket list along with Nancy in Oliver and the mad hatter in Wonderland (if you’ve not heard of it then give it a listen as it’s incredible!) |
When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found…
With my husband and our 2 boys either rambling through the woods, in our garden or heading to the zoo.
Tell us about the show in your own words
It’s a heartwarming classic! The eternal optimism that comes from Annie the character is magical!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I’ve got two… I love being able to perform easy street as it’s such a fun number. The other part is actually a scene I’m not in but it’s in Hooverville as “we’d like to thank you Herbert Hoover” is one of my favourite songs in the show.
Describe your character in this production in 3 words.
Drunk, beaten down, mean
How do you learn your lines?
My husband is an absolute gem and always helps me by running over scenes with me again and again. He’s also a bit of a stickler for me getting it right so won’t let me get away with paraphrasing or dropping any lines out.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
This is tough but I think I’d have to say Dick Van Dyke. He is an absolute icon and is the reason I love Chitty and Mary Poppins so much.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
There have been a few but the two that really stick out to me where when we did Addams family which was my first show with LTC and right before I was due to sing with Morticia I must have inhaled some dust or something as I just couldn’t shift whatever was in my throat. I was desperately trying not to cough and my eyes were water and I was terrified of what was going to come out when I tried to sing. The other moment was during Sweeney Todd when I was meant to pop a little sweet into Sweeney's mouth but I missed. Julian and I just watched this sweet roll down the stage and off into the audience!
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Definitely a phone charger! During 2 show days I always FaceTime my kids and I’d get really stressed if I was having to worry about my phone dying.
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
I think it’s actually the costumes in Annie. I’ve got some gorgeous dresses that really make me feel like Hannigan!
Why do you think people should see the show?
Firstly because it’s such a feel good show that will leave you tapping your toes and singing “Tomorrow” for days and secondly the talent that with have with our junior cast is incredible! The two Annie’s we have are so amazing and I am in awe at what they can do at such a young age!
With my husband and our 2 boys either rambling through the woods, in our garden or heading to the zoo.
Tell us about the show in your own words
It’s a heartwarming classic! The eternal optimism that comes from Annie the character is magical!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I’ve got two… I love being able to perform easy street as it’s such a fun number. The other part is actually a scene I’m not in but it’s in Hooverville as “we’d like to thank you Herbert Hoover” is one of my favourite songs in the show.
Describe your character in this production in 3 words.
Drunk, beaten down, mean
How do you learn your lines?
My husband is an absolute gem and always helps me by running over scenes with me again and again. He’s also a bit of a stickler for me getting it right so won’t let me get away with paraphrasing or dropping any lines out.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
This is tough but I think I’d have to say Dick Van Dyke. He is an absolute icon and is the reason I love Chitty and Mary Poppins so much.
Have you ever had any stage mishaps/corpsed?
There have been a few but the two that really stick out to me where when we did Addams family which was my first show with LTC and right before I was due to sing with Morticia I must have inhaled some dust or something as I just couldn’t shift whatever was in my throat. I was desperately trying not to cough and my eyes were water and I was terrified of what was going to come out when I tried to sing. The other moment was during Sweeney Todd when I was meant to pop a little sweet into Sweeney's mouth but I missed. Julian and I just watched this sweet roll down the stage and off into the audience!
What’s your favourite dressing room item?
Definitely a phone charger! During 2 show days I always FaceTime my kids and I’d get really stressed if I was having to worry about my phone dying.
What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn in a show?
I think it’s actually the costumes in Annie. I’ve got some gorgeous dresses that really make me feel like Hannigan!
Why do you think people should see the show?
Firstly because it’s such a feel good show that will leave you tapping your toes and singing “Tomorrow” for days and secondly the talent that with have with our junior cast is incredible! The two Annie’s we have are so amazing and I am in awe at what they can do at such a young age!
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Willow, 10, from Leigh On Sea is playing the part of Annie
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got the role of Annie? I love to sing, act and dance, it really is my passion. I believe that I got the role of Annie because I’m a determined, inclusive, kind, talented girl. If you could play any role in any show, what would it be? My dream role would be to play the part of Dorothy in the The Wizard Of Oz. What’s your favourite subject at school? I love PE as we often get to dance or play team sports. Art is also a favourite of mine. Is anyone else in your family a performer? Yes, my mum performed professionally and is now a vocal coach. Her students include X Factor winners and runners up. Tell us about Annie the Musical and who’s your favourite character apart from Annie, of course! Annie the musical is really fun because you meet lots of different people and make new friends. It has built my confidence and the cast are so supportive and talented. My favourite character is Rooster played my Lee as he is comical and has a very convincing accent. What is your favourite part of the show and why? My favourite part of the show is in Hard Knock Life as we get to have pillow fights, it’s so much fun! I also love singing Tomorrow and Maybe. |
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Describe your character in 3 words
Annie is optimistic, resilient and fierce.
How do you learn your lines?
I go over my lines at home and my mum reads in for the other parts.
What’s your favourite movie/tv show?
My favourite movie is actually Annie, I’ve watched it over 100 times.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
My favourite actress is Jennifer Coolidge. She plays the part of Fiona in Cinderella Story and is hilarious! She is also in the new Minecraft movie.
What job would you love to do when you grow up?
I would love to be an all round performers
Who’s going to come and see you in the show?
I have so many people coming to see the show. My family, friends, and neighbours.
Which performances are you appearing in?
I’m performing Wednesday evening, Thursday matinee and Saturday night. I can’t wait!
Why do you think people should see the show?
People should come and see the show because it’s a classic with a storyline that keeps you gripped until the end.
Annie is optimistic, resilient and fierce.
How do you learn your lines?
I go over my lines at home and my mum reads in for the other parts.
What’s your favourite movie/tv show?
My favourite movie is actually Annie, I’ve watched it over 100 times.
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
My favourite actress is Jennifer Coolidge. She plays the part of Fiona in Cinderella Story and is hilarious! She is also in the new Minecraft movie.
What job would you love to do when you grow up?
I would love to be an all round performers
Who’s going to come and see you in the show?
I have so many people coming to see the show. My family, friends, and neighbours.
Which performances are you appearing in?
I’m performing Wednesday evening, Thursday matinee and Saturday night. I can’t wait!
Why do you think people should see the show?
People should come and see the show because it’s a classic with a storyline that keeps you gripped until the end.
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Bradley Green, 52, from Canvey Island, will be playing Oliver Warbucks
How long have you been a member of Little Theatre Company? 18 years Why did you join? I’d been a member of the group ‘Rainbow’ from the age of 15, sadly that came to an end, so a few of us decided to join LTC as we already had some friend as members What was the last play/musical you saw? ‘Death Becomes Her’ the musical on Broadway, based on my favourite movie of all time, it was everything I wanted it to be and more. Fingers crossed it transfers to the West End If you could play any role, what would it be? It has to be Edna from the musical ‘Hairspray’, I’ve ticked off all but that one from my bucket list of roles When not at rehearsals I can mainly be found… Love to go to the theatre as much as possible, have just been on a trip to New York to see as many new musicals as I can, which was just brilliant. Being in a drama group means I have loads of wonderful friends, so I’m always out and about doing something. |
Tell us about the show in your own words
Annie has a very special place in my heart, I used to watch the film all the time with my brother and sisters when it first came out on VHS! Brilliant characters, catchy songs and a great rags to riches story, what more could you ask for!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
The number ‘I Don’t Need Anything but You’. I get to sing and dance with the lovely Annies, a lovely uplifting moment in the show.
Describe your character in this production in 3 words.
Brash. Bald. Billionaire
How do you learn your lines?
Nothing clever really, just a piece of paper covering the next line. It doesn’t get any easier the older I get; it helps to just keep running the scenes.
Annie has a very special place in my heart, I used to watch the film all the time with my brother and sisters when it first came out on VHS! Brilliant characters, catchy songs and a great rags to riches story, what more could you ask for!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
The number ‘I Don’t Need Anything but You’. I get to sing and dance with the lovely Annies, a lovely uplifting moment in the show.
Describe your character in this production in 3 words.
Brash. Bald. Billionaire
How do you learn your lines?
Nothing clever really, just a piece of paper covering the next line. It doesn’t get any easier the older I get; it helps to just keep running the scenes.
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Ava Moule, 12 from Leigh on sea is also playing Annie
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got the role of Annie? I love to sing, dance & act and just love to perform! I only started dancing when I was 9 but immediately loved it. I now dance at Everett Dance Company, Leigh on sea and Diversity Studio, Westcliff on sea. I train at MTC, Chelmsford and am an Essex Associate at Front & Centre. I’ve been lucky enough to have been in a few local shows over the last 2 years, including Addams Family (SYP), Grease (YTTS), Little Mermaid (LODS), Nativity (SODS), Oliver (BASOPS), and my favourite, playing Summer in School of Rock with SYP in August 2023. I auditioned for the role of Annie via a self tape and then had a recall for an in person casting with about 12 other girls. I was at my grandad's house when I got the call to say I got Annie – I couldn’t stop screaming!!! If you could play any role in any show, what would it be? I would love to play Patrice in 13 The Musical. What’s your favourite subject at school? I love drama, PE & English. Is anyone else in your family a performer? No! My brother plays football but I’m always trying to convince him to audition for a show because he loves singing and dancing with me: he’s my biggest supporter! |
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Tell us about Annie the Musical and who’s your favourite character apart from Annie, of course!
Haha! I’m really enjoying playing Annie but also have a soft spot for Tessie as that was the first part I successfully auditioned for 4 years ago. I do love Grace though!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I really like “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here” – it’s such a fun number and I have a costume change on stage!
Describe your character in 3 words.
Brave, strong, positive
How do you learn your lines?
I just sit and read them. I have quite a good memory I think.
What’s your favourite movie/tv show?
Wednesday
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Jenna Ortega, she’s amazing as Wednesday!
What job would you love to do when you grow up?
That’s easy, an actor!
Who’s going to come and see you in the show?
Oh I’m so lucky, as I’ve got so many people coming to see me! My mum, dad & brother, all my grandparents, 2 of my aunties and 1 of my uncles, my best friend & her family, special family friends, some of my brother’s football team and families, my mum’s netball friends, my neighbours, and I just found out my old year 6 teachers are coming too!! I think I have about 60 people in total!
Which performances are you appearing in?
Thursday 29th May, 7.30pm
Friday 30th May, 7.30pm
Saturday 31st May, 2.30pm
Why do you think people should see the show?
Because it makes you feel happy! The songs and dances are so energetic and fun, Rooster & Lily are hilarious and of course there’s Daddy Warbucks …
Haha! I’m really enjoying playing Annie but also have a soft spot for Tessie as that was the first part I successfully auditioned for 4 years ago. I do love Grace though!
What is your favourite part of the show and why?
I really like “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here” – it’s such a fun number and I have a costume change on stage!
Describe your character in 3 words.
Brave, strong, positive
How do you learn your lines?
I just sit and read them. I have quite a good memory I think.
What’s your favourite movie/tv show?
Wednesday
Who is your favourite actor/actress?
Jenna Ortega, she’s amazing as Wednesday!
What job would you love to do when you grow up?
That’s easy, an actor!
Who’s going to come and see you in the show?
Oh I’m so lucky, as I’ve got so many people coming to see me! My mum, dad & brother, all my grandparents, 2 of my aunties and 1 of my uncles, my best friend & her family, special family friends, some of my brother’s football team and families, my mum’s netball friends, my neighbours, and I just found out my old year 6 teachers are coming too!! I think I have about 60 people in total!
Which performances are you appearing in?
Thursday 29th May, 7.30pm
Friday 30th May, 7.30pm
Saturday 31st May, 2.30pm
Why do you think people should see the show?
Because it makes you feel happy! The songs and dances are so energetic and fun, Rooster & Lily are hilarious and of course there’s Daddy Warbucks …
Below: The cast in rehearsal
Photo credits: Kim Tobin Photography
Photo credits: Kim Tobin Photography
