(4 / 5)

A true staple of musical theatre around the world, Annie is one of those musicals that everyone knows and loves. Whether you grew up with it on a VHS tape (like me), have seen a local amateur company perform it (also me, five times…) or have seen the show before, it’s just one of those classics that just refuses to go away. And why should it? The songs are brilliant, even the lesser-known ones, there’s plenty of opportunity for some great dance numbers, there’s a rag tag group of girls stealing the show and everyone’s hearts and of course, a fluffy yellow dog to add to the mix. Who could ask for anymore?

The tour feels slick and updated whilst retaining all the charm of the original. The overture is done away with in favour of getting straight into the action. We’re directly into the orphanage and I must say, the children performing are exceptional. They truly give everything to their scenes and dance numbers. There are multiple casts of children, of course, and our Wednesday night Annie was Sophia Saravanan, who was a wonderfully endearing ‘little orphan’ with a voice entirely capable of belting out those famous numbers. I really enjoyed the interactions between the youngest cast members; they’re given the scope to act how children would in those situations and they are delightfully naughty and excitable because of it.

The chorus is small but mighty, with them making up the Hooverville residents, the staff of the Warbucks mansion, the New York tourists and performers and even the cabinet of the president of the United States. They are a hugely talented ensemble, the dance numbers are a particular highlight of the production. I really enjoyed the transition of NYC from a movie to a Broadway theatre, as it gave plenty of scope for the chorus to also be the Broadway chorus in a high energy tap number.

The cast are also excellent. The role of Miss Hannigan is shared on the tour by La Voix and Claire Sweeney, and Cardiff has Claire take to the stage. I really enjoyed her portrayal, especially her rendition of Little Girls. I also enjoyed the darker take to Lily and Rooster portrayed by Amber Kennedy and Christian Cooper and really appreciated that they were given a lot more stage time in earlier scenes to establish their characters. Easy Street with Lily, Rooster and Hannigan is a real show-stopper with excellent choreography. Our Warbucks and Grace Farrell are played by Alex Bourne and Tanisha-Mae Brown. I thought their relationship with Annie was really endearing and they both have fantastic voices to boot. No-one but You sang by Alex was a lovely, heartfelt highlight of the show for me.

With its puzzle piece map of New York backdrop (helpfully annotated by the orphans), and its all singing, all dancing portrayal of this classic show, this is really one not to miss. Make sure you stroll on down that Easy Street, because the sun will be coming out tomorrow and, ‘aw gee,’ it would be such a shame to miss it!