Big cast, bigger heart: Annie brings optimism to the Playhouse stage

DIRECTING more than 120 young performers in a full-scale musical production might seem overwhelming to most, but for Daisy Spencer, it’s just a matter of taking it one step at a time.

KZN Young Performers Project (YPP) brings the beloved musical Annie to the Playhouse stage this July. The heartwarming story of a spirited young orphan determined to find a better life beyond the dreary confines of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage will run from 4 to 13 July for a short season.

At the helm is Spencer, putting the final touches on what she describes as an “epic feel-good musical.”

“I love Annie – it’s about the power of optimism, the importance of family, and about never giving up,” she says. “These are all things the youngsters can relate to. I tell them, if you believe, the audience will believe too.”

Spencer brings not only passion but precision to the rehearsal room. Her approach is methodical and deeply collaborative.

“Planning is everything. You have to break it down day by day,” she says. “If I look at the big picture, I’ll panic. But if I compartmentalise, it becomes achievable.”

She credits her dedicated production team for helping bring the show to life. “I work very closely with Evashnee (Pillay, choreographer), Des (Govender, musical director/Director of YPP), and Kathy (Singery, costumes).”

With a self-confessed love for checklists, Spencer keeps things grounded the old-fashioned way. “I get great satisfaction from writing detailed lists and ticking things off. I’m old school, I have a notebook for every production and write everything down. It’s a technology-proof way of not forgetting anything!”

This is her third time directing a YPP production, following Footloose in 2017 and Dream On in 2024. A fixture in the YPP family for 16 years, she began by working alongside Themi Venturas, then moved into choreographing, joined the board, became a producer, and more recently, took the director’s chair.

“Being part of YPP is one of the most important parts of my career,” she reflects. “YPP has become family and taught me so much over the years. I’m just so grateful. It’s also amazing watching talent grow and mature over time. This project really is quite extraordinary.”

True to YPP’s mission of creating a professional platform for young performers, the Annie cast includes far more actors than the script requires. “We’ve added many more characters to fill out the world of the play,” Spencer explains. “Scenes like Daddy Warbucks’s mansion feature around 40 servants, and the street scenes are bustling—with dog walkers, pram pushers, families, and couples. At any given time, we have about 40 orphans on stage. The ensemble numbers are just magnificent, so full of energy and big voices.”

Among her many career highlights, Spencer points to choreographing Fame earlier this year to launch the new Milkwood Theatre at Danville Girls’ High School. A Rhodes University drama graduate with honours, she sees herself first and foremost as a choreographer and is actively involved with the International School of Performing Arts (ISPA), Durban’s only post-matric performing arts institution.

She also treasures her experience directing and choreographing Kat and the Kings under the guidance of creator David Kramer, and values her ongoing collaborations with Lisa and Aaron, serving as one of their go-to directors and choreographers.

“Annie is going to be glorious. I am so proud of everyone,” Spencer says. “I encourage Durbanites to come out and experience what I trust will be a really special production.” 

Annie is suitable for children aged four and up, and tickets are available through Webtickets and Pick n Pay stores nationwide.