Another successful show from Lisnagarvey Operatic

LISBURN’S own award winning operatic society, Lisnagarvey, have recently completed yet another highly successful run in the Island Hall.

This year the company staged the Irving Berlin musical ‘Annie Get Your Gun’, which tells a fictionalized version of the life of Annie Oakley (1860–1926), a sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, and her romance with another sharpshooter, Frank Butler.

The company welcomed back Peter Kennedy to take on the role of Frank Butler and he was paired in his romantic story with Lisnagarvey stalwart Claire Cranston, who has been performing with the Lisburn company since she was a child.

The wealth of experience on stage was evident throughout, with Claire opening the show in style, providing the audience with an introduction to the ‘rough round the edges’ Annie Oakley.

Claire’s singing, acting and comedic timing were absolutely faultless and she immediately had everyone rooting for the girl with the gun.

She was well supported by her ‘brothers and sisters’, whose performances belied their tender ages.

Colin Gregg took on the role of Buffalo Bill and he was ably assisted by Tim Carter, as Charlie Davenport, who proved that there really is no business like showbusiness. Some comedic relief was also provided by Garvey favourite Vivien Shepherd as the desperate for love Dolly Tate.

The company also welcomed back Rea Campbell-Hill, who recently graduated from the London College of Music. Rea took on the role of Tommy Keeler and his performance, as expected, was flawless.

The principals, as always, were well supported by a chorus of singers and dancers who brought the travelling circus show to life.

Lisnagarvey Operatic Society never fail to disappoint and this year’s production was no exception.