Annie The Musical At Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

When I was asked to step in and review the much famed musical Annie, I was too embarrassed to admit I had never seen the film. So off we went to Milton Keynes Theatre, weirdly I know some of the tunes, so was humming the sun will come out tomorrow whilst in the large queue to enter the Theatre. It was as busy as I’ve seen it for sometime, with lots of families with children, the most I have seen outside of a pantomime!

Most seats in Milton Keynes have a great view, so you should not be disappointed on that front. I was prepared for anything, anticipating it possibly wouldn’t be my thing. Annie is without spoiling the story, for those of you like me who have no clue, an orphan in the grimmest of orphanages in 1930s New York. The show tells her story.

This show is musical theatre at its finest. I don’t even know where to start, possibly at the top with the quite simply stunningly confident Harlie Barthram as Annie. What a little superstar she was. She looked like she was having the time of her life. Amazing stage presence for someone so young. Likewise the six little girls on stage throughout the show. Flipping amazing, the singing the dancing, the acting. They were charming and warmed your heart with their performances. I would imagine some very very proud parents in the Theatre this evening.

I was bought up on films with Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby and the like, and tonight on stage, the men in their black tuxedos and the women in lush red dresses, performing some amazing dance routines, singing their hearts out reminded me of an era gone by. Everything about all the numbers felt amazing to watch and almost be part of. Grace Farrell aka Amelia Adams was just stunning. She looked just incredible in her emerald green dress, and the chemistry between her and Daddy Warbucks (Alex Bourne) and Annie was a joy to watch.

There was even a dog! How well behaved was he. The children the cast, the scenery, the singing and dancing, there was nothing not to love tonight, it was the most joyous of nights. All your favourites are there, It’s a hard knock life, The Sun will come out tomorrow, I don’t need anything but You, Easy Street to name a few, will have you singing along with the cast. I guess I can’t not mention Miss Hannigan, played by Craig Revel-Horwood, who I’m thinking was immersed in his part. Slightly disappointed, I thought he would be more of a presence on stage. He wore his pyjamas well, and his suspenders were constantly on show!

If you want to see fabulous performers, feel uplifted, watch top class performances along with a great soundtrack of songs that you will be signing for days after the show, fall in love with the amazing children, then book now to see Annie. It’s by far the best show I’ve seen for a while, and really won’t disappoint.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £23 plus £3.80 Transaction Fee
Annie is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 7th August to Saturday 12th August 2023.
For more information or to book tickets visit atgtickets.com or call the box office 0207 206 1174
500 Marlborough Gate Central Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ