LITTLE Orphan Annie kept Americans smiling through the days of the Wall Street Crash and the subsequent Depression, and the musical based on that comic strip has certainly given Swanage a happy time this week.
If this production is anything to go by, the Operatic Society’s Junior section plainly has a wealth of talent, and the 50 or so youngsters performed what is musically not always the easiest of shows with panache, confidence and total enthusiasm.
The chorus, whether maids, orphans or Hooverville residents, were always in character and the principal line-up, boosted by four members of the adult society – Phil Fisk, Mike Hill, Danny Seldon & Steve Haw -, was exceptionally strong. There was a real chemistry between Lauren Fowler’s Annie (a role shared with Anna Watts) and Robert Diment-Davies’ billionaire Oliver Warbucks – and Robert deserves additional plaudits for getting so much into his role that he shaved his head for the character’s traditional bald pate.
There were lovely performances too from Matthew Gibbs (Bert Healy), Rebecca Eady (Lily), Laurie Clifford (Drake) Fiona Hymns (Mrs Pugh), and especially Stewart Jones (Rooster), Claire Palmer (Grace) and Laura Fidler (Miss Hannigan). They all did the society proud.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemout Daily Echo