Annie at Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Becky B
Few musicals have embedded themselves in popular culture in the way that Annie has. With a number of familiar songs, I am ashamed to admit that this was my first experience of seeing a production of Annie. However, it was easy to see why this musical remains a family favourite decades after its debut.
If you don’t know the story of Annie, she is a plucky orphan forced to live a miserable existence in a New York orphanage during the 1930s at the hands of the cruel and uncaring Miss Hannigan. Annie clings to a hope that her birth parents will one day come to rescue her. Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. With Mr Warbucks’ help, Annie continues her search for her parents, but Miss Hannigan plots to sabotage her efforts for her own gain.
The production, directed by Nikolai Foster and produced by Michael Harrison, David Ian and Crossroads Live, starred Claire Sweeney (of Brookside and Coronation Street fame, among many other acting credits, including numerous West End productions). Sweeney played the intimidating orphanage matron, bringing humour and charisma to the role of the mildly villainous old lush. She was supported by a cohesive and confident young supporting cast portraying the orphans, alongside the exceptional June Young in the title role. Tanisha-Mae Brown delivered a flawless and outstanding performance as Grace Farrell, the personal assistant to Daddy Warbucks, played by Alex Bourne, who perfectly captured the demeanor of an influential New York businessman gradually won over by Annie’s charm. There was also a surprise appearance from Dizzy the Cockapoo, who played Sandy, the stray dog adopted by Annie after she runs away from the orphanage.
The direction and pacing ensured the audience remained captivated throughout, with scenes flowing seamlessly from one to the next. The set transported the audience from the dank orphanage, through the bustling back streets of New York, through to the opulence of the Warbucks mansion, using clever design and lighting effects. The ensemble scenes were energetic and well choreographed, making excellent use of the stage to convey everything from a crowded marketplace to a lively party atmosphere. The musical score was subtle and allowed the vocals, particularly those of the young actors to shine without being overbearing.
If, like me, you have never seen Annie, you may not know the full story, but you will undoubtedly be familiar with some of its iconic songs, and they certainly did not disappoint. The young cast brought the vocals to life, with a commanding rendition of It’s the Hard Knock Life and Annie’s powerful, show-stopping performance of Tomorrow.
Annie is a high-energy production from start to finish and, with its enduring optimism, it is easy to see why this feel-good musical remains a family favourite. The audience cannot help but root for the underdog, willing Annie towards her happy ending while hoping that Miss Hannigan eventually gets her comeuppance.
If you are still not convinced, the quality of the performance was such that by the cast receiving a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the opening evening.
Photo credit: Paul Coltas
I would rate Annie 5/5
Rating: 5/5
Annie runs from Tuesday 13th October to Sunday 18th of October at the Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent.
Tickets are available from £15.60 and can be purchased from www.atgtickets.com
The Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP