Annie triumphs at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company spent the week performing the 1977 musical Annie at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre.

The company has been performing in the local area within the theatre since 1956, following their first show two years before.

Before Annie, the theatre group performed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in May of this year.

The show had been such a success with the local community, inspiring the organisation to perform yet another show in the Autumn.

Jonathan Busk – who plays Mr Warbucks – was cast in July 2025, alongside a collection of young performers from theatre and dance groups found within Dorset.

BBLOC –Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company- have prioritised giving opportunities to young performers throughout their history, as a way of showcasing young talent that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Jonathan Busk believes the children are the centre of the musical, “seeing them arrive there over the weekend, walk on the stage and go wow, that’s the most rewarding part.”

While the musical has “moments talking about the depression in 1930s America and the orphans who don’t have particularly the most happy life in the orphanage”, Jonathan hopes the audience will leave feeling uplifted due to it ending “on a big high with the goodies coming out on top.”

Their performance within the theatre was further enhanced by the contribution of the talented dog Teddy, who played the notorious character Sandy.

The company also prioritises live music as opposed to backing tracks, local theatre groups tend to use, having a live orchestra to accompany their performance, adding depth and emotion to each scene.

Not only does Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company believe that an astounding performance is crucial, but they also stress the importance of giving back to Dorset.

Jonathan Busk agrees that the company should focus on giving back to the local area “It’s important to remember we’re a part of a bigger community and say thank you.”

The group has donated £60,000 to local charities in their last 60 years of performance, including Poole Special Care Baby Unit, Lewis Manning Hospice and Macmillan Caring Locally.

The musical will conclude this Saturday at 7:30 pm, concluding a year of spectacular performances and charity work within Dorset.