Annie at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel Review
This week sees the return of the ever popular musical Annie to Milton Keynes Theatre, three years after I thought Craig Revell Horwood’s portrait of Miss Hannigan had put me off the show for life. I went along last night with my daughter (10) with little faith that Claire Sweeney (of Brookside and Corrie fame) could bring the show back from the brink for me but, spoiler alert, she is brilliant, the show is brilliant and casting misdemeanors of the past can now be laid to rest!!
This latest production of Annie is currently on a UK tour until early 2027 and is a fabulous gateway into musical theatre for children and as such would make a wonderful afternoon/evening out for the whole family. Many are familiar with the story of orphan Annie who having endured 11 years in a New York orphanage under the guardianship of drunk Hannigan (Claire Sweeney) before being invited to stay with billionaire Mr Warbucks (Alex Bourne) for the holidays, and I’m sure most people can name a tune or two – The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow or It’s A Hardknock Life. Add to that an awesome set and a fabulous cast led by the ‘orphan’ children and you have a recipe for success.
I’m probably going to go in way too early in this review with a mention of the dog, but my daughter did lean over to me several times and said ‘best show ever’ based on the fact they have a real dog Dizzy the cockapoo playing stray dog Sandy. I’m not gonna lie, I loved it too and the reaction from the audience did suggest that the dog may have stolen the show. Sandy did feature quite heavily in the first half but was scarce in the second, much to my daughter’s annoyance. But if you need a reason to see this show, the dog is it!!! The dog aside however, the stand out performance for me was Christian Cooper as Rooster. The on-stage chemistry between him and Sweeney as siblings and fellow ‘baddies’ was fabulous in my opinion.
The set as I previously mentioned is awesome, giving me Matilda West End vibes. I think when you have an eye-catching set that keeps you captivated throughout the show whilst complimenting the acting and not distracting from it, the show is even more enjoyable. The show is set during the 1930s, so has a very art deco feel and the costumes are just perfect for that time period. I want to give a personal shout out to the hair and make up team, who made the women look absolutely beautiful, just oozing 1930s Hollywood glamour.
Everything about this show just delighted us, it was heartwarming and heart lifting from the moment we got there and throughout the show. I would go so far as to say it’s one of my favourite shows I’ve seen this year so far, and I think the ghost of Craig Revel Horwood’s Hannigan can well and truly be laid to rest!
Rating: 5/5
Annie is at Milton Keynes until Sunday 26th July 2026
Ticket prices start from £24.96. Under 3’s will not be admitted
For further information and to book, please visit www.atgtickets.com