Annie at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Review

Reviewed by Alexander Wilde

An inspirational musical whose enduring popularity is a testament to the universal appeal of the message at its heart: one which celebrates the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. ‘Annie’ bounces on to the stage with a song and smile, for the ultimate feel-good night out!

Yesterday evening, I had the great pleasure of seeing ‘Annie’ on stage at the glorious Regent Theatre in Stoke. In the run up to this show, friends and family were amazed that I had not seen the 1982 comedy-musical based on the beloved musical which premiered on Broadway in 1977. I am of course familiar with the unforgettable songs ‘It’s The Hard-Knock Life’ and ‘Tomorrow’, yet it was great to go into the show with little knowledge of the finer plot details.

Set during America’s Great Depression of the 1930s, ‘Annie’ tells the story of a plucky, young girl who lives in a New York City orphanage run by the cruel and greedy Miss Hannigan. Despite her difficult circumstances, Annie remains optimistic and hopeful that one day she will be reunited with the parents who abandoned her as a baby. Her fortunes change when she is chosen to spend the Christmas holiday with the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, who quickly becomes enamoured with her spunky spirit and decides to help her find her parents. Along the way, Annie and Warbucks must contend with Miss Hannigan’s schemes and the machinations of other dishonest characters.

The stars of ‘Annie’ were portrayed with heart and soul by an immensely talented cast. Annie herself was played by the incredible Zoe Akinyosade, whose powerful voice and infectious energy brought the character’s courageous spirit and unflappable optimism to life. Zoe really was perfect for this role, and along with the other orphans, is a definite rising star! Oliver Warbucks, played by seasoned actor Alex Bourne, had the perfect balance of commanding presence and vulnerability, he was both stern and lovingly tender in his interactions with Annie, and his transformation from a hard-nosed businessman to a doting father figure was truly moving. Miss Hannigan, played with gusto by star of stage and screen, Jodie Prenger, had impeccable comic timing and a delightfully villainous presence on stage. Rooster and Lily, the conniving convict and gold-digging duo, played by Paul French and Billie Kay, clearly revelling in their wicked roles, were the antipathy of the faithful, warm hearted Amelia Adams playing Grace Farrell – Mr Warbucks Assistant. One of the things that sets ‘Annie’ apart from other musicals is its ability to balance serious themes with moments of genuine comedy. Its cast expertly delivered the show’s many funny one-liners and physical gags.

All the cast harmonies were perfect and powerful in both solos and ensembles. The dancing and choreography in this production was absolutely top-notch. From the opening number, ‘Maybe,’ to the show-stopping ‘It’s the Hard-Knock Life,’ the dance numbers were energetic, precise, and full of life. The orchestra, led by a talented conductor, provided the perfect musical accompaniment to the action on stage, with rich and full-bodied sound that enhanced the emotional impact of the songs. The choreography was a highlight of the production, with expertly timed movements that brought the characters and story to life in a visually stunning way. Many congratulations to the wider ensemble, there were no small parts!

I also appreciated the set. The stage was dominated by a fracturing giant jigsaw puzzle of a New York City map, with each piece expertly lit to create the illusion of a bustling metropolis – it was a unique and effective choice. The various locations of the show, from the orphanage to Warbucks’ mansion, were seamlessly integrated into the overall design, with clever use of props and set pieces adding depth and texture to each scene. The attention to detail was truly impressive and helped to transport the audience to the world of the story and added to the overall magic of the production.

Whatever you are planning on doing this week, I highly recommend this musical! With its catchy songs, talented cast, and inspiring message of hope and resilience, ‘Annie’ is a classic musical that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the show or new to its charms, this production is sure to leave you feeling entertained and uplifted. So, make sure to grab your tickets and enjoy an unforgettable night at the Stoke Regent.

Five uplifting Stars!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £13 (plus £3.80 transaction fee).

On Stage from 8-13 May 2023, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/annie/regent-theatre/ or call the box office on 0333 009 6690

Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0333 009 6690

The Regent Theatre stands within a clean, well-lit and safe pedestrianised area of the city centre which has benefited from extensive regeneration. The impressive entrance dominates the parade creating a social focal point. Many theatregoers were out front enjoying drinks in the dry Spring evening – it really does create a mini West End vibe. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful. We parked on a street with pay and display evening rates; a brief walk from the theatre.
The theatre reopened in 1999 after being restored to its former art-deco glory – the main foyer is elegant and spacious. We were greeted warmly on entering and felt a buzz in the air. We explored the various levels, and we found the bars/concession stands to be well manned, stocked and of standard prices for theatres. I have sat in both stall and circle seats, both are very comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.