The nation’s favourite adorable red-headed, orphan Annie, is back with a revamped stellar production as part of a UK wide tour, fresh from a successful run in London’s west end.
Annie has won the hearts of audiences across the world for more than 40 years, spawning successful musical productions and two hit feature length films.
Set in 1930s New York during the era of the Great Depression, the eternally optimistic Annie with her fiery red hair, kind nature and courage is the star of the show as an orphan who believes that her parents will one day return and save her from her life of misery in the orphanage under the torment of the cruel, alcoholic Miss Hannigan – the baddie that everyone loves to hate!
Annie’s luck changes one day when she is chosen to spend Christmas in the luxurious residence of billionaire Oliver Warbucks and is given everything her heart could ever desire.
However she remains determined to find her real parents, and enlists Warbucks to use his power and status to help her on her quest.
There are many delightful moments along the way as Annie manages to charm everyone she meets, inspiring Mr Warbucks and even President Roosevelt to “stick out their chin and grin” in the face of adversity and remain positive.
Annie challenges a cabinet of miserable Government ministers to think differently about the problems of America and leads them to declare a New Deal to bring them out of the Depression (Annie should perhaps pay a visit to the House of Commons in light of recent Brexit talks!)
Any show that features a cast of adorable children and a cute fluffy dog is always going to win the hearts of audiences.
However the child stars on stage deliver solid, professional performances with every perfect note and well timed (and somewhat challenging) choreographed routines that would rival some of their older peer performers.
Ava Smith makes her theatrical debut in the starring role of Annie and performs a note perfect rendition with all the confidence and stage presence of a true leading lady.
Anita Dobson – most famous for her iconic role in Eastenders- is superbly cast in a show stealing performance of the drunken, squealing Miss Hannigan channelling vibes of Miss Trunchbull with her menacing nature to the children.
Dobson has great comic timing and dry humour that’s required for such a famous villain. Special mention must also go to Carolyn Maitland who plays Grace Farrell, private secretary to Warbucks, whos kind and gentle Julie Andrews-esque performance ensures she quickly becomes the perfect mother figure to orphan Annie.
The show features a strong score of traditional Broadway classics delivered with outstanding vocal performances and impressive choreographed routines which ensure this production can easily compete with more modern productions such as Matilda and Mary Poppins.
It’s a Hard knock Life is performed with attitude and determination as the children stomp their way through the routine.
Tomorrow is of course the most famous song from the musical and was performed by Smith with enough sweetness to endear her to the audience but with a powerful impressive vocal for such a young actress. Other highlights included the hilarious Easy Street, Youre never fully dressed without a smile and NYC.
Director Nikolai Foster commented why Annie remains such an appealing show, more than 40 years after her debut, “Like all great musicals, it has a fantastic story and a proper plot that takes you on an emotional journey. It is still relevant today in terms of government bankers and what it is to be in a society that treats people with contempt. Then there are these incredibly well structures, old school Broadway show tunes that are works of genius. It’s the combination of all those things.”
This production will not only appeal to the children but to the whole family – you can bet your bottom dollar that you will be thoroughly entertained!