If you grew up watching the film of Annie, as so many of us did, you will certainly adore this fabulous musical because, although a little grittier than its celluloid counterpart, with its classic tunes, optimistic storyline, amazing cast and possibly the most obedient and talented dog you’ll ever see on stage, you can’t go wrong.
The show is a classic rags-to-riches story where Annie, and the other orphans of depression era New York City, live wretched lives under the control of Miss Hannigan, at the Hudson Street Orphanage. One day, Annie’s life is changed forever when Grace Farrell, the assistant to billionaire Oliver Warbucks, comes to ask for an orphan to stay at his mansion for the Christmas holidays.
The set is covered with the pieces of a huge jigsaw puzzle. Maybe symbolising the world economy coming apart, or maybe it’s the pieces of Annie’s life coming back together, either way it works well and, with the addition of six very uncomfortable looking beds, it makes a very convincing orphanage dormitory.
The occupants of those beds are six rough and tumble orphan girls who, led by Annie, blast out a couple of the most memorable songs from the show. Maybe is their song of hope for a brighter happier future while It’s a Hard Knock Life brings them right back to the harsh reality of their current daily grind.
Then, following her cunning escape from the orphanage, Annie takes centre stage with just a stray dog for company, to sing Tomorrow, an inspirational number that the superb young actress, Zoe Akinyosade, belts out with the stage confidence, and pitch perfect voice, of a performer very much older than her tender years.
Considering that the show has very little in its make up to laugh about, there are some great comic moments throughout and, with so many young girls in the cast, there are plenty of opportunities to ramp up the “cute” factor but, overriding all of that is a palpable feeling of the hardship and despair of the time.
Whether it is through the crackling radio broadcasts that are heard before, and during, the show or whether it is through numbers such as Hooverville, sung by the homeless of New York, there is plenty of food for thought.
Craig Revel Horwood is simply brilliant as Miss Hannigan. From the moment that the doors at the back of the set open and he strides downstage, he dominates proceedings. A wonderfully good dancer, and a surprisingly good singer, it is obvious that he is having the time of his life in this role and, particularly in his solo number, Little Girls, and his knockout performance in Easy Street, he radiates his love for the show and the character.
The other members of the cast are equally well chosen, and all perform tremendously well. As the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, Alex Bourne morphs from a ruthless businessman into a loving and caring adoptive father in a very subtle and believable way, tugging at the heartstrings with all his might in the second half. Paul French as Rooster Hannigan and Emily Barnett-Salter (covering for the indisposed Billie-Kay) as Lily St Regis work wonderfully together and Amelia Adams is tremendously good as Grace. Credit should also go to Amber the Labradoodle who, as Sandy the stray dog, never misses a cue!
This production of Annie is a family musical in the most delightful tradition – terrifically acted, well staged, beautifully produced, and extremely positive about life and with so many catchy tunes, a feel-good finale and such a tremendous cast, this is a truly superb production.
**** Four Stars