11:34am Friday 8th February 2008
By Nigel Kerton
AUDIENCES at the Pewsey Vale School production of Annie had double value as far as the principal character was concerned.
Although there was just one Annie in last week's production she was played by two girls, twin sisters Christie and Gina Strong.
As to which was which the audience was left guessing because the 14 year olds are virtually identical.
Full marks to the directing team of John Hobbs, Amy McGuinness and Janice Markwell for such a lively production.
The only one slight criticism was that on occasions the softer voices of the cast could not be heard against the background music of the excellent four-piece orchestra.
The students, especially the two Annies, sang their hearts out and it was evident from the sparkle in their eyes and their assuredness that they were enjoying the show as much as the audience.
Kenny Tasker who played the Wall Street billionaire Daddy Warbucks has such verve that a stage career could well be awaiting him.
The antics of Jack Aroskin who played the villain Rooster Hannigan, and his squeaky-voiced accomplice played by Heather Still had the audience in stitches.
The group of a dozen or so orphans helped set the scene for Annie's rags to riches transition.
Miss Hannigan, who ran the orphanage, was played superbly by Rowan Godwin whose modesty or a touch of nerves prevented her powerful voice coming over to its best advantage.
The stage where daily assemblies are given was cleverly turned into not just one set but several; one moment it was the orphanage; next it was the billionaire's Fifth Avenue Home; then a radio studio and also the White House.
The students of Pewsey vale School, with guidance from their teachers, put on a show that their families will remember for years to come.
A mention must be made of one member of the cast who won the hearts of everyone watching...a sandy coloured terrier called Treacle who ran on stage playing Sandy the dog!
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