Reviewed by Amanda Gazzard
It’s a hard knock life for us!!!!! What a classic song to open the show!
Who doesn’t know the much loved story about Annie, whether it is from the original film from 1982 or the remake in 2014, this is a production that will certainly get your feet tapping.
All the orphans are forced to live a miserable life under the supervision of Miss Hannigan (Craig Revel Horwood). A little red-headed orphan by the name of Annie (Ava Smith) wants only one thing in the world and that is to find her parents. Annie’s luck changes and she has the opportunity to spend Christmas with the famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Alex Bourne). Grace (Carolyn Maitland), Rooster (Richard Meek) and Lily (Jenny Gayner) all bring their own energy and stage presence which finishes off the scenes brilliantly.
All of the cast members are extremely talented especially the boisterous orphans (Tia Grace Isaac, Romanie Jija-Wakeham, Dulcie Allsop, Charlotte Pourret Wythe, Saskia Salmon and Emily-May Stephenson).
Craig Revel Horwood was fab-u-lous as Miss Hannigan, the only disappointing thing was his New York accent which was less then convincing and at times was quite difficult to understand but his voice and dancing made up for it in my opinion.
Tonight was Ava Smith’s debut as Annie and apart from a little first night nerves with some lines which to be honest were hardly noticeable, Ava’s stage presence and beautiful voice in my opinion outshone her cast members by miles and you will not be left disappointed. Remember where you saw her first guys!!
Costumes were in keeping with the era and the sets were simple but it worked very well. There was always something happening somewhere on the stage so was plenty to keep even the smallest of audience members occupied.
This is a wonderful family show and you will not be left disappointed.
All the staff at the Cliffs Pavilion were helpful and polite. We were guided to our row with a smile. At the interval drinks and snacks are served swiftly and politely. Very impressed.
I would rate this performance a well-deserved 4 out of 5.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £32 to £51 (booking fees may apply).
Annie: The Musical is at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend from 27 May to 1 June 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135
