Annie Stars!
We were thrilled to see a number of Ripley pupils and students performing in ‘Annie’, the latest production from MAODS (Morecambe Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society).
MAODS has always been well supported by our pupils and alumni outside of school and adds great value to their singing, dancing and acting skills, especially if they choose to study Drama at GCSE and A level. Have a look at their YouTube preview of Annie rehearsals here:
Year 13 Amy Bain has always loved performing and this is her first production with MAODS in the ensemble/dancing. She is planning to take a gap year with a view to gaining experience as a teaching assistant, then move into teacher training.
Year 12 Benji Pollitt is well known around the Lancaster theatrical circuit having performed in ‘The Addams Family’ with Morecambe Warblers and ‘Sweet Charity’ with Lancaster Red Rose Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society. He took on the role of Rooster in ‘Annie’ convincingly! Benji is planning to go straight into performing once he has finished A levels. We wish him well with any auditions.
Fellow Year 12 Charlie Anderson also threw himself into the part of Wacky/ensemble admirably and he was joined by alumni Lily and Meg, who recently left Ripley.
The younger members of the group had the chance to take part in this adult show as orphans – one specifically taking prime role of Annie herself – Year 7 Abi Jones. Abi played the lead role as Annie superbly. Mrs Berry and Mrs Bell were in the audience:
“Abi was phenomenal! Both Vicki and I were blown away by her talents and performance!”
We were delighted to also see Year 8 Gracie Davis in her orphan role too. This is the first year Gracie has featured in an adult production and she enjoyed it immensely, playing 3 nights. Gracie had to act as a bully, although this was a challenge, she enjoyed being able to express herself and take on the role of something she would never do!
The next production from MAOS is Beauty and the Beast which won’t involve the younger members but they all thrived on the experience and are looking forward to when they next tread the boards.
Bravo!
Production photographs courtesy of Morecambe Operatic and Dramatic Society
