Ahead of the much-anticipated production of Annie at the Norwich Playhouse, co-produced by Threshold Theatre Company and Echo Youth Theatre, we caught up with some of the key cast members. Holly Graham, who plays Miss Hannigan, and Kitty Denny and Darcie Simmons, who play Annie and Annie Alternate, shared their thoughts on the production, their favourite moments, and working with some furry co-stars.
Q: Are you excited to be performing on the Playhouse stage?
Kitty: Very, yeah. I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ve performed there once before with Opera Boys, but I didn’t get to do much dancing or acting, so it’ll be really exciting.
Darcie: I performed in Macbeth there last year with the Royal Shakespeare Company. It was a lot of fun, so I’m really looking forward to returning.
Holly: I always love performing at the Playhouse. I’ve done a few shows there now, and it’s such a nice space. Can’t wait to get back.
Q: For those who’ve never seen Annie before, tell us what it’s about.
Darcie: It’s about an orphan who’s been left on the steps of an orphanage with just a note and her locket. She dreams of what her parents could be like, and eventually, she gets her happy ending. Don’t want to spoil too much!
Holly: It also involves Mr. Warbucks, who takes in an orphan for what’s supposed to be two weeks. He ends up liking having her around, and it’s just a lovely story, fun for all ages.
Q: What’s it like to play such an iconic character?
Holly: There’s definitely pressure, especially because Carol Burnett’s portrayal of Miss Hannigan in the original 1982 film is so incredible. I’m trying to emulate some of that while bringing my own thing to it. It’s tricky because people already have a strong idea of the character.
Kitty: It’s the same with Annie. There are so many different versions and interpretations. Finding my own version while keeping her recognisable is a challenge.
Holly: It’s been great seeing how both Kitty and Darcie have put their own spin on Annie. Their interpretations are quite different, so it keeps it interesting.
Q: What’s your favourite song from the show to perform?
Kitty: Definitely Hard Knock Life. It’s just so energetic. But I also love Easy Street, it’s such a fun number.
Darcie: Mine would be Hard Knock Life or Never Fully Dressed because of the dancing. It’s so much fun.
Holly: The orphans are just absolutely brilliant, those numbers are fantastic. But for me, I love Little Girls. It’s great fun, being mean in a song!
Q: What’s been your favourite part to rehearse? Or favourite part of the rehearsal process?
Holly: The rehearsal process has been a bit unusual for me because I’m not in many scenes with the rest of the cast. It’s been lovely when we’ve done full company rehearsals, finally seeing everyone together after weeks of working separately. It’s such a great cast, and it’s always a nice surprise to see everyone all in one place.
Darcie: There’s a really lovely atmosphere in rehearsals.
Holly: Absolutely, and you two have been so immersed in the dancing with the other girls. It’s been brilliant to watch.
Kitty: The dancers are just incredible, so energetic! I don’t know how they manage to keep it up.
Holly: You make it sound like you’re not one of them! You’re all just bursting with energy, it’s amazing.
Darcie: Yeah!
Q: What’s it like working with Sandy?
Kitty: It’s been really fun to work with them, but at the same time, there have been a few mishaps. One time, Darcie had to chase Riley around the room while singing Tomorrow.
Darcie: It was definitely an experience! The dogs are overall really nice. Sometimes they just want more treats or strokes, especially Riley.
Holly: They’re really sweet and gentle. I kind of wish I had a scene with one of them!
Q: Have there been any funny moments in rehearsals?
Darcie: During one rehearsal, the actor playing Drake accidentally said “Yes, Sir” instead of “Yes, Miss,” and our Grace got really mad at him. It was hilarious!
Holly: I can imagine her getting mad at that! Trying to get one of my co-stars (naming no names!) to do the right dance steps has been a bit of a challenge too. We’ve definitely had our laughs.
Q: If you could swap roles with anyone else in the cast for one night, who would you pick?
Darcie: Miss Hannigan.
Kitty: Miss Hannigan, but also Lily St. Regis. She’s a little bit dumb! I’d love to play that kind of character.
Holly: Maybe in the future! I think I’d stick with Miss Hannigan. I’ve played Grace before, but Hannigan is too much fun!
Q: Why should people come and see Annie?
Holly: It’s just great family entertainment. The kids are brilliant, and it’s worth the ticket price just to see the orphans. Plus, the dogs!
Kitty: Everyone loves the dogs. They’re such a big part of the show’s charm.
Q: If you were Oliver Warbucks, what would you do with your millions?
Kitty: Spend it. I’d give some to charity… a hedgehog charity, because I’m a hedgehog conservationist. But I would probably spend it on theatre tickets.
Darcie: Definitely theatre tickets.
Q: If Sandy could talk, what do you think he would say?
Holly: Stop singing at me!
Kitty: Riley would say, “Keep it down,” while Fletcher would just ask for more treats.
Darcie: More strokes, definitely!
Q: Describe your character in three words.
Holly: Drunk. Unkind. Desperate.
Kitty: Unique. Caring. Optimistic.
Darcie: Optimistic. Dedicated. Fun.
Q: Anything else you want to say to everyone coming to watch?
Holly: Just sit back and enjoy. It’s such a fun show, and you’ll leave singing the songs!
With a talented cast, beloved songs, and even some canine performers, Annie at the Norwich Playhouse is set to be a delightful family experience. Don’t miss out!
