Review: Annie Get Your Gun (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Annie Get Your Gun (UK Tour) 
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 22nd July 2014
★★★★

Sixty-eight years after it was first performed on Broadway, Irving Berlin’s musical Annie Get Your Gun still provides an evening of joyous fun. Ian Talbot's brand new touring production is bursting with old-school wit and charm.

Telling the legendary story of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West female sharpshooter Annie Oakley (Emma Williams) and her romance with fellow sharpshooter Frank Butler (Jason Donovan), I didn't realise just how iconic Berlin’s score is. The music sounds divine when played by the terrific on-stage band.

Emma Williams is a dream to watch on stage; it is wonderful to see her shine in a completely different role. Annie is a force to be reckoned with and Williams certainly captures her free spirit. Williams' portrayal grows and matures throughout the piece, Annie is tough but Williams allows the audience to care for her. 

Williams' performance of 'I Got Lost In His Arms' in the second act provides one of the highlights of the evening. Her rendition is so beautifully simple and effortless; her vocal talents are stunningly astounding. 

She later shines during 'I Got the Sun in the Morning'. An incredible list of actresses may have taken on this iconic role, but Emma Williams plays Annie Oakley as if the part was written for her. Her presence, commitment and power is captivating.

The chemistry between Annie and Frank needs to be electrifying - as well as being in love, both are unbelievably competitive. Luckily Williams has superb chemistry opposite Jason Donovan. Their rendition of 'Anything You Can Do' brought the house down.

Donovan graces the stage with ease and is naturally suited to the role; however, the score seemingly isn't a perfect fit for his voice. Donovan just about gets away with it and is clearly adored by audiences. He is at home on stage and brings the perfect amount of cheeky charm to his performance. 

A strong ensemble bring uplifting energy and pizazz to the show whilst Lizzi Gee's choreography is wonderful. Annie Get Your Gun provides irresistible (and sometimes cheesy) fun!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Annie Get Your Gun runs at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Saturday 26th July and tours the UK until Saturday 4th October 2014. Please visit www.anniegetyourgunthemusical.com for further information, tour dates and tickets.

Click here to read our interview with Emma Williams