Annie

There's a good reason Annie has remained one of the world's most loved musicals for nearly 50 years. Packed with unforgettable songs, larger-than-life characters and a heartwarming story of hope, this latest touring production proves that the classic still has the power to delight audiences of all ages.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York during the Great Depression, the story follows young orphan Annie as she escapes the miserable clutches of the drunken Miss Hannigan and finds herself in the care of billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Along the way come mistaken identities, villainous schemes and, of course, plenty of opportunities for some of musical theatre's most iconic songs, including It's the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and the timeless Tomorrow. Under Nikolai Foster's direction, the production retains all the warmth and charm of the original while feeling fresh, colourful and full of life.

The real star of the evening was Sophia Saravanan in the title role (which she shares with three other young actors). Annie is a demanding part for any young performer, requiring confidence, humour and a remarkable vocal ability, and Saravanan delivers all three in abundance. She lights up the stage from her very first entrance and gives a performance that feels completely natural. One moment summed up her professionalism perfectly: during one scene, Sandy became a little over-excited, repeatedly jumping up at her, yet Saravanan never missed a beat, continuing to sing flawlessly while staying completely in character. It's the sort of composure many seasoned performers would envy.

Alex Bourne is equally impressive as Oliver Warbucks. He captures the character's transformation from stern businessman to devoted father figure with warmth and sincerity, while his rich singing voice adds genuine emotion to the role. His chemistry with Saravanan develops beautifully throughout the evening, making the relationship at the heart of the show thoroughly believable.

Claire Sweeney certainly throws herself into Miss Hannigan with absolute commitment. Her performance is broad, outrageous and often hilarious, bringing an almost drag queen-style flamboyance to the role that generates plenty of laughs from the audience. While she perhaps feels a little too youthful to completely embody the world-weary, washed-up character traditionally associated with Hannigan, there's no questioning her energy or commitment, and she clearly relishes every moment on stage.

The supporting cast are consistently strong, particularly the talented young ensemble playing the orphans. Their infectious enthusiasm shines through in every musical number, while Nick Winston's energetic choreography keeps the action moving at a brisk pace. The production values are exactly what audiences expect from a major touring musical, with Colin Richmond's striking sets creating an ever-changing New York landscape and colourful costumes bringing the era vividly to life.

Of course, no production of Annie would be complete without Sandy. The canine star won over the audience from the moment he appeared, even if he occasionally decided to improvise. Those unscripted moments only added to the evening's charm and were handled brilliantly by the cast. The combination of talented young performers, vibrant choreography and a lovable dog makes this production hugely enjoyable.

This is an energetic, feel-good production that reminds you exactly why Annie has become such an enduring family favourite. Whether you're introducing a new generation to the musical or revisiting it yourself, you'll leave the theatre humming Tomorrow with a smile on your face.

Photo Gallery