Annie (2025)

	Annie
	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

Annie
Music by Charles Strouse · Book by Thomas Meehan · The Tower Theatre, Folkestone

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