Reviewed by Linda Pickford
Last night we went to see Annie, The Musical at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. The theatre was packed with families all set out to enjoy the evenings performance. They were not disappointed. The energy and ability of all the cast was excellent.
Everyone knows the story of poor orphan Annie. She had been left at the Municipal Orphanage over 11 years ago by her parents. She was desperate to leave and find them but had no clues apart from a letter they left and one half of a locket. The orphanage is run by Miss Hannigan, a drunk and a tyrant. The girls under her care are poorly fed and made to sew all day for profit. Annie tries to escape but is returned by the police. It is 1933 and a time of deep depression in America with an extensive population who are unemployed and homeless. A billionaire, Mr Warbucks, sends his secretary to the home to find an orphan boy to stay with him for Christmas. She decides to select Annie and although her boss is none too pleased at first, he soon warms to Annie.
We enjoyed the show tremendously especially the team of orphan girls (Team Empire) and Annie (Ava Smith) herself of course. Amber the dog always generated a good response from the audience. Special mention must be made of Craig Revel Horwood who played Miss Hannigan. He was brilliant and even convinced my husband he was a woman until he began to sing that is (I hadn’t told him, loved to see his reaction). Craig’s dancing skills were fab-u-lous. I have never heard him sing before either. Everyone shone on the night and it was lovely to see some youngsters in the audience. Our future performers!
The orchestra played well and not too loud. Sometimes theatres have such loud music it completely drains out the singing. Great to hear some different arrangements of the well-known songs too. This show is a must for a good family night out.
The theatre is well situated in a popular area of the city with plenty of bars and restaurants in the vicinity. Last night however was a bank holiday. Everywhere was busy so we had no chance of a meal beforehand. The theatre itself has a restaurant attached and we should have booked there. There is plenty of parking nearby and also local buses and trains.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £23 to £44.50 (booking fees may apply).
Annie is at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth from 6-11 May 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com or call the box office on 01752 267222.
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR | 01752 267222
