“The sun will come out tomorrow” runs the iconic song from ‘Annie’, but the sun came out today for the audiences who warmed to Farlington Prep School’s bright, colourful and heartening rendition of this much-loved musical.
Using Farlington’s New Courtyard Hall, with its enhanced facilities for drama, producer Lucy Cooper made skilful and imaginative use of the space and some 50 girls acted, danced and sang with assurance, talent and oodles of charm. Every ounce of pathos – and humour – was wrung out of the absorbing storyline, not least from the two girls who portrayed Annie with such winsome panache.
The year-six girls filled the range of character parts – including a dog! – with thoughtful attention to detail whilst the younger members of the cast showed their versatility switching between orphans, servants and sundry New Yorkers.
The songs have great variety and, under the expert musical direction of Brian Dallimore, this young cast delivered them with just the right mix of gusto and subtlety. Definitely a triumph for the Farlington Prep School and their ability to spread a little sunshine.
