Synopsis
The Hastleons’ 2016 production of “Annie” at the White Rock Theatre brought the beloved musical to life with heartwarming performances and vibrant staging. Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, the story follows Annie, a spirited and optimistic young orphan living in a harsh orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan.
Despite her difficult circumstances, Annie dreams of finding her parents and a better life. Her fortunes change when she is chosen to spend time with the wealthy and kind-hearted billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Through a series of adventures, Annie’s infectious hope and determination inspire those around her, including Warbucks and his secretary Grace Farrell.
The musical features iconic songs such as “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” and “Easy Street,” capturing the spirit of resilience and optimism. The Hastleons’ production was praised for its energetic cast, touching storytelling, and the joyful atmosphere that resonated with audiences.
The Cast
Annie – Natalie Spencer
Miss Hannigan – Tracy Sutton
Oliver Warbucks – Steve Corke
Grace Farrell – Zola Thomas
Rooster – Chris Eyre
Lily St Regis – Liz Baker
Drake – Duncan Spencer
Bert Healy – Alfie Differ
President Roosevelt – Andrew Pilcher
Members of the Cabinet:
Lisa Bonham, Sharon Gordon, Oliver Mann, Leslie Ryan
The Boylan Sisters:
Chloe Hurst, Mia Page, Sarah Thornton
Bundles McCloskey – Richard Foster
Pepper – Eliza Brown
Duffy – Sophie Playford
July – Jessica-Lily Morris
Kate – Harley Loft
Tessie – Isabelle Sutton
Molly – Lila Brooker
Orphans:
Ella Andrews, Chloe Balcomb, Summer Caister- Coules, Ruby Cook Isabelle Cunningham, Molly Differ, Coco Godden, Lauren Kilbey, Bethany Lloyd Bethany Mendes, Ellie Mendes, Dawn Mercer, Bethany Mockridge, Indiana Morgan Chloe Mortimer, Rubie Morton-Davage, Isabelle Nanji-Earle, Beatrix Pepper Molly Playford, Ashleigh Potter, Milli Ramsay, Bethany Ripley, Florence Ripley Amy Rosling, Natalie Seddon, Ellie Smith, Mia Smith, Lily Thomas, Ellie Valentine Millie-Rose White, Aisha Willard, Izzy Willard, Jia Young
Ensemble Boys:
Luke Charlesworth, Lucas Differ, Arthur Pepper, Edward Pepper
Dancers:
Jade Davis, Shannon Hamed, Chloe Hurst, Lily- Rose Matthews Georgia Mockridge, Mia Page, Katy Pursglove, Rowan Ringrose, Seth Ringrose
Ensemble:
Alex Aldous, Julia Allen, Lisa Bonham, Cathy Brown, Jade Davis, Alfie Differ Daisy Estall, Barbara Golby, Sharon Gordon, Shannon Hamed, Emma Hatton Chloe Hurst, Rufus Law, Anne Lawson, Oliver Mann, Lily-Rose Matthews Sarah Matthews, Donna Mercer, Liz Miller, Georgia Mockridge, Lisa Morris Mia Page, Caroline Pepper, Andrew Pilcher, Katy Pursglove, Marie Rayner Rowan Ringrose, Seth Ringrose, Patricia Ripley, Leslie Ryan, Suzanne Skinner Duncan Spencer, Sarah Thornton, Teri White, Shelley Young
Gallery
Reviews
Went to see ‘Annie’ with my husband and six year old daughter. My daughter was mesmerised with the show, my husband and I thought it was so well performed and wonderful singing. Brilliant and a most enjoyable evening. Brought the West End to Hastings and tickets were so cheap. When the show finished my daughter said she wanted to watch it all again.
Anon
Watched Annie today amazing from all involved, the kids, main actors, musicians back stage crew whom a friend of mine works for. Well done all
Anon