Review: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Lavender Theatre
Photo credit: Harry Elletson
“There's no people like show people. They smile when they are low…Let’s go on with the show”. It would be difficult to think of a more fitting lyric to describe the cast of the Lavender Theatre’s inaugural production, Annie Get Your Gun. Unfortunately, the British summer weather was not onside for this unique new outdoor theatre, but the rain did nothing to dampen the energy and the audience’s enjoyment of this enchanting classic musical.
Annie Get Your Gun is a fictionalised version of the life of Annie Oakley, a sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show in the 19th century. We follow her rise to fame and rocky romance with rival shooter Frank Butler. One of the most enduring musicals of the Golden Age, Irving Berlin’s score boasts classics such as ‘Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)’, ‘You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun’, and ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’.
A little research tells you that there are a few songs missing from the original production, and the script has been updated to use Peter Stone’s book from the 1999 revival, which removed the misogynistic and racist elements. These changes ensure that a musical originally performed in 1946 and set in the 19th century feels incredibly modern. Simon Hardwick’s direction and choreography is key in bringing to life this raw and youthful story, however further credit must be given to leading lady SuRie, who is sensational as gutsy go-getter Annie Oakley.
Most people will know SuRie as the UK’s 2018 Eurovision entry and her voice is spectacular as she powers through the varied classic musical theatre numbers. However, her acting is even more impressive; it is often what musicals lack but SuRie is so natural. You can instantly feel how much she loves performing as Annie and she delivers a sensitive and charismatic performance. SuRie has brilliant chemistry with Charlie McCullagh as cheeky Frank Butler and together they lead the exceptional cast.
Despite the weather, everyone danced and sang their hearts out. The band are excellent, and the balance of sound is almost perfect, but it is an interesting choice to not mic the young actors playing Annie’s siblings. Sadly, most of their lines are lost to the expanse of the Lavender Theatre’s outdoor space and stage. Elliot Broadfoot’s deep and warm voice is not lost. He is making his professional debut as Buffalo Bill, and also narrates the scene changes, which makes the story and location changes easy to follow.
The set is simple but incredibly clever and versatile. Four ladders are ingeniously intertwined to allow Annie to perform her upside-down shooting act. The set leaves plenty of room for the beloved classy and charming dance brakes of Golden Age musicals. Led by Dance Captain Holly Lawrence and Nina Bell as Winnie Tate, these numbers are the heart of the production and the whole cast really bring the energy. Bell really gets to show off her talents when she pairs up with Joseph Vella, who plays her sweetheart Tommy Keeler, to perform ‘Who Do You Love, I Hope?’.
Annie Get Your Gun is the perfect choice for the Lavender Theatre’s first season. Energetic and enchanting, hopefully this is the start of a sensational summer space even if the weather doesn’t cooperate!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Annie Get Your Gun plays at the Lavender Theatre until 5 August, with further information here.