Reviewed at The Lyceum, Sheffield, by Michelle Rawlins
A classic big hitter, Annie has a long track record of enthralling audiences and pulling in the crowds. With its catchy singalong tunes, rags to riches storyline and host of exceptionally cute kids, it’s always a winner.
And this latest production by Meehan, Strouse and Charnin, with the added bonus of Strictly judge Craig Revel-Horwood as Miss Hannigan, didn’t disappoint.
The well-versed storyline transports you to the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Annie is dumped at a rundown New York orphanage at birth in the care of Miss Hannigan, a drunken lush. Love is lacking and impoverishment high. But where’s there’s darkness, there’s always a hint of light. And in this case, it’s Annie’s unfaltering sense of hope that there is some sunshine to find in her gloomy life, despite the pretty grim hand it’s dealt her.
It might be far from realistic, of course. And the script, based on Thomas Meehan’s book, is a little dated. But who doesn’t enjoy a dose of escapism every now and then?
To top it off, these kids really know how to melt your hearts – and give the adults a run for their money, too. Despite their tender years, they belted out song after song, including the much-loved A Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow, note perfect. All while performing perfectly executed dance routines.
Every member of the cast is blisteringly good. Annie, performed beautifully by Harlie Barthram, has a phenomenal singing voice. And her characterisation, alongside the ability to hold the stage, wowed the audience who rewarded the talented youngster with a standing ovation.
No stranger to the stage, Revel-Horwood, with a back catalogue as long as your arm, including Miss Saigon and Crazy for You, makes for a sublime Miss Hannigan, a role he’d previously shared with the late Paul O’Grady. As you would expect, his gin-swigging swagger and child-hating performance is peerless. But despite Revel-Horwood being the big name of the show, he really is just one of many who bring this exceptionally executed piece of theatre to life. Alex Bourne makes for a loveable and big-hearted Daddy Warbucks while Paul French is deliciously devilish as Miss Hannigan’s money grabbing, sinister brother Rooster, who, in a click of his spindly fingers, would dump poor Annie for a pocket full of dollars.
The ensemble adds to the ‘big show’ feel with their strong chorus lines – a vital ingredient for any good musical. Special mention must also be made for Sandy, the ridiculously cute stray dog, who makes several appearances as he bounds onto the stage, much to the delight of the audience.
Throughout the whole performance, from the infamous dormitory scene to the unjust underworld of New York’s homeless to the celebratory Christmas party, the choreography is sharp and seamless, under the tutelage of Nick Winston and accompanied by an eight-piece band.
The set, designed by Colin Richmond, which mixes between a fairytale like feel, with hovering, illuminated, jigsaw pieces that move and morph into one another, to the darker side of New York, does exactly what it should and helps move the story along, never allowing for a single dull moment on stage.
All in all, Annie, a big Broadway old-style family musical, with a stupendous heart and a predictable, but fabulous feel-good ending can’t fail to leave you with a big smile of your face.
Showing until October 21, then on tour until November 23, 2023
Tickets here