| Annie | |
.jpg) Annie promotional image | |
| Production Details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 27 June–5 July 2025 |
| Venue | The Tower Theatre |
| Director | Steve Hawkins |
| Writer | Thomas Meehan (book), Charles Strouse (music), Martin Charnin (lyrics) |
| Producer | Alice Hawkins |
| Musical Director | Samuel Robinson |
| Choreographer | Sophie Burgess-Adams |
| Amateur production by arrangement with Music Theatre International | |
The Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society presented Annie by Thomas Meehan on 27th June–5th July 2025 at The Tower Theatre, Folkestone. An amateur production by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Foreword
The stage musical Annie is a timeless classic. At its core is the endearing orphan Annie, whose charm shines through despite her challenging circumstances. Annie embodies an enduring message of hope and resilience, reflecting the socio-economic landscape of America in 1933, during the Great Depression and the Roosevelt administration's New Deal initiatives.
The production has presented an exhilarating challenge for the cast, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the production team for their hard work in creating this joyful production. Collaborating with such talented young performers has been a remarkable experience.
I would also like to express my appreciation to the Creative Team, including the exceptionally skilled Choreographer Sophie Burgess-Adams and Maestro Sam Robinson. Thanks must go to our wonderful costume team who have worked tirelessly to create all the fabulous costumes for this show, Emma Franks, Liz Rutland and Wendy Allum. Special thanks go to our set builders, lighting and sound designers/operators, Myra for her prop management, and the outstanding Michael Pearce as Stage Manager. A special acknowledgement is due to my wonderful producer, Alice Hawkins, without whom I would undoubtedly be adrift. Gratitude is also extended to our Child Protection Officer, Karen, and all the chaperones who selflessly dedicate their time to ensure the safety of our younger cast members. This production would not be feasible without their invaluable contributions.
The saying goes, "Never work with children or animals," yet we have thoroughly enjoyed doing both! I must highlight our young cast, the 'Annies' and orphans, who were chosen from over 38 children during open auditions. Their high energy, patience, and enthusiasm, combined with their individual and collective talents, have led to incredible rehearsals, and it has been a joy to work alongside them.
Additionally, we are grateful to our friends Mike and Hannah Manton for allowing their dog Teddy to portray Sandy, one of the most iconic canine roles in musical theatre. We hope he enjoys the experience as much as we do!
I recently learned that the song "Tomorrow" is performed every 20 minutes somewhere in the world. I hope you leave the theatre this evening with that melody in your heart and that you thoroughly enjoy our production!
Steve Hawkins Director
Cast
Principal Cast
- Miles Record as Annie (Team A)
- Violet Hawkins as Annie (Team B)
- Natalie Jones as Miss Hannigan
- Richard Hawkins as Oliver Warbucks
- Rosie Devlin as Grace Farrell
- Luke Jones as Bundles McCloskey / Bert Healy / Roosevelt
- Jack Willcox as Drake / Fred McCracken / Wacky
- Chris Willcox as Rooster
- Katy Hydon as Lily St Regis
- Teddy Manton as Sandy
Adult Ensemble
- Caroline Dowling as Assistant Dog Catcher / Hooverville Resident / Servant / NYC Show Cast
- Emma Franks as Hooverville Resident / Mrs Pugh / NYC Show Cast
- George Perkins as Hooverville Resident / Servant / NYC Taxi Driver / Ickes
- Jess Hill as Hooverville Resident / Mrs Greer / NYC Show Cast / Ronnie Boylan / Howe
- Katy-Scarlett Coveney as Hooverville Resident / Annette / Star to be / Bonnie Boylan
- Olivia Coley as Dog Catcher / Sophie / Cecille / NYC Show Cast / Sound Effects Man / Morganthau
- Paul Moran as Lt. Ward / Judge Brandeis
- Tracey Silvester as Apple Seller / Servant / Usherette / Connie Boylan / Perkins
Named Orphans — Team A
- Annabel Prineas as Pepper
- Darcey Parry as Duffy
- Eden Prescott as Kate
- Isla Rolfe as July
- Cora Prineas as Tessie
- Orla O'Callaghan as Molly
Named Orphans — Team B
- Flo Hills-Lawes as Pepper
- Hattie Sparks as Duffy
- Bethany Giles as Kate
- Hattie Austin as July
- Grace Hills as Tessie
- Annabelle Gibson as Molly
Ensemble Orphans — Team A
Ensemble Orphans — Team B
Production Team
Direction & Music
- Director: Steve Hawkins
- Musical Director: Samuel Robinson
- Choreographer: Sophie Burgess-Adams
Production
- Producer: Alice Hawkins
- Stage Manager: Michael Pearce
- Deputy Stage Managers: Leigh Chambers & Lily Rushin
- Child Protection Officer: Karen Prineas
Design & Technical
- Set Design: Chris Willcox
- Set Construction: Chris Willcox & Myra Collingridge
- Lighting: Rebecca Pyburn
- Sound: Jake Wallis
- Props: Myra Collingridge
- Backstage: Myra Collingridge, Eleanor Prineas & Andrea Reid
Wardrobe & Media
- Costume: Emma Franks, Wendy Allum & Liz Rutland
- Design/Media: Malcolm Laye & Gary Ingoldby-Spate
- Photography: Chris Henry & David Shackle
- FHODS Marketing: Merewyn Forrest
For The Tower Theatre
- Events & Marketing Manager: Michelle Hartley
- Front of House Manager: Gary Ingoldby-Spate
- Theatre Technician: Emil Jansen
FHODS extends its thanks to the Front of House volunteers and Bar Team. Anyone interested in joining the team can contact Joanne Pearce at foh@towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk.