Reviewed by Sharon Mongey
I loved, loved, loved this show.
Annie the musical is amazing show that just seems to have everything, an orchestra, amazing singers, fabulous choreography and a feel-good storyline, leaving the audience warm inside.
The story is that of Annie and her life in the orphanage, as she is looked after (said in the loosest of terms) by the gin swigging Miss Hannigan played by Craig Revel Horwood (Strictly Come Dancing). Annie and the six other orphans spend their time cleaning; song time and the cast of six young orphans belted out ‘Hard Knock Life’
I was already beaming from ear to ear. Annie and the orphans had such stage presence; they were enthralling to watch. We were then hit with likely the most iconic track of the musical… ‘Tomorrow’. I was in my element.
Whilst in the orphanage Annie plots her escape. She gets caught by Miss Hannigan before she can even get out the door but on her second attempt Annie does escape the confines of the orphanage. Annie meets up with Sandy (a Labradoodle), the audience ‘oohing’ with delight as the dog came on stage.
It’s not long before Annie is caught and back with the girls and Miss Hannigan, but this is only a fleeting return as she is invited to spend Christmas with Daddy Warbucks (a billionaire).
Daddy Warbucks and Annie’s relationship develops and he very quickly falls in love with her, he vows to find her parents that left her on the doorstep of the orphanage all those years ago, offering a $50,000 reward to those that can prove that they are Annie’s real parents. As you can imagine the unsavoury characters appear, the couple after the money is none other than Miss Hanigan’s brother (Rooster) and his girlfriend, (Lily) hatching a plan to get the money, not worried about what happens to Annie.
I would imagine that most people already know the story of Annie a production (Film and Stage) that has been around for many years, but, if you don’t you will need to go and watch to find out! Do Rooster and Lily succeed? Or does Annie get her happy ever after with Daddy Warbucks.
Annie is a toe tapping, family sing-along show showing at Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 1st July until Saturday 6th July, then moving on to various venues around the country.
Catch it at Milton Keynes if you can, a great airy venue, I was warmly welcomed and found the facilities here top notch. Sitting in Row KK was brilliant, tiered so well that not even sitting behind a six-foot person would have restricted my view.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £17.50 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
Annie The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 1-6 July 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
