Credits - "Annie Get Your Gun" (1994)

[extract from the 1994 Shenstonian]

America in the 1880s. Atime of sheriffs and bad guys, cattle rsutling and card games, guns and gunslingers. Picture the scene: tumbleweed drifting down the Big School corridor, a stagecoach full of parents drawing up outise, the batwing saloon doors swinging open to reveal a stage sat for this year's production: Annie get Your Gun.

Months of frustration and hard work were amply rewarded by a polished and highly entertaining series of performances which proved a credit to the gun-totin' good guys, Harry Rickman and Stephen Perrins.

The demanding lead role of Annie Oakley was taken by Sophie Bakewell, Tom Stretton played Charlie, Buffalo Bill looked remarkably like Robert Delaney and the utterly convincing, magnificently adorned Chied Sitting Bull was brought to life by Raj Sukkersudha. The love interest for feisty Annie came in the form of Frank Butler, ably performed by James Viney.

The fine performances by these major characters was complimented by a strong supporting chorus and it would be difficult to single out individuals for praise.

The orchestra were, as ever, superb and songs such as Anything You Can Do and There's No Business Like Showbusiness were warmly received by the audience. All credit must go to Mr Stephen Perrins and his talented assistants for their tireless efforts. The commitment and enthusiasm of all those who were involved from lighting teams and camera crews to the backstage staff and actors themselves - helped the show to its success.

All good westerns end with a shoot-out and this was no exception. Annie got her gun and her man and the sun set slowly over the Wild West. L.M.F.