Reviewed by Katie Allen
Everyone knows the Annie story – redheaded orphan finds a family, rich guy finds his heart.
I’d seen the film many years ago and was familiar with famous songs such as Tomorrow and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile so I was excited to see the musical on stage.
As we entered the theatre the atmosphere was set. The stage was dressed with 8 orphanage beds and audio from Franklin D Roosevelt playing from a wireless. We were now firmly in New York during the 1930s depression.
The show opens with the main stars – the Orphans (Team Rockefeller) – and of course Annie (Freya Yates) herself. They punched their way into the show with the touching Maybe and empowering Hard Knock Life and we were on our way.
Whilst the main focus tends to be the lead players, I think the strength of any production is the ensemble. This group of performers was one of the greatest I’ve seen both in and out of the West End. The dancing was tight, the singing strong and the characterisation of the many roles they play perfect.
I found Alex Bourne and Carolyn Maitland’s chemistry and portrayal of Daddy Warbucks and his PA Grace Farrell the highlight of the show along with the villains Rooster (Richard Meek) and Lily (Jenny Gayner). Whenever these partnerships were on stage your eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to them. Special mention must go to Craig Revel Horwood playing the fabulous, dark and comic Miss Hannigan and of course Amber, playing Sandy the dog.
Freya Yates, a sweet but cheeky Annie, was the core of the show and gave a faultless performance.
If you’re after a family friendly show with toe-tapping tunes and a great heart you can’t go wrong with seeing Annie.
We love the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. If you’re more used to the older style theatre with small seats and no legroom, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised at this modern space. The theatre itself is within a shopping centre and next to a cinema giving a great atmosphere as you walk into the box office and allowing many options for dinner pre-show. There are bars on many levels and the middle level had a piano player which added a sophisticated ambiance reminding me of a cruise ship.
We parked in the Peacock’s Shopping Centre multi storey next door. There’s a flat fee of £1.40 after 7pm. I did also notice that the railway station is only a 5 minute walk away.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £19.50 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
Annie is at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking from 10-15 June 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre or call the box office on 0844 871 7645.
New Victoria Theatre, The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ
