Review: ANNIE, The Alexandra Birmingham - Tour
It’s 1930s New York, right in the midst of The Great Depression and at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, Annie and the other orphan girls are forced to live a life of misery and torment. Holding on to the hope that her parents will come back for her one day, her luck changes and she is chosen to spend Christmas with renowned billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Although, Miss Hannigan and her villainous sibling have other ideas and hatch a plan that will make them lots of money and remove Annie from their lives forever.
Directed by Nikolai Foster and with choreography by Nick Winston, the musical numbers in particular shine in this production. Polished movements in beautifully styled costume pieces (design by Colin Richmond) transport the audience to a time when the direct contrast and divide between the rich and poor is paramount to the story.
Annie, played by Zoe Akinyosade, is the cheeky orphan with a bit of sass, who works her way in to the heart of everyone she meets. Her relationship with Grace (Warbucks Assistant), played wonderfully by Amelia Adams, is apparent and charming, although it doesn’t feel as strong as we would have expected between Annie and Warbucks, played by David Burrows.
There is a really nice moment during ‘Tomorrow’ as Annie visits the Cabinet and Franklin Roosevelt, led by Lukin Simmonds (as FDR), played delightfully as a positive and cheerful presence amongst a dreary background.
Undoubtedly, audiences were pleased to see the presence of Sandy (played by Lily), Annie’s furry friend who was clearly enjoying a lot of treats for her performance, and everyone’s favourite Strictly judge Craig Revel-Horwood as Miss Hannigan, clearly delighting the audience with his performance as the villainous drunk.
It’s a pleasing production with some good performances and a great family favourite to entertain the kids over these Easter holidays.
*** Three stars
Reviewed: by Rachel Louise Martin
Annie plays at The Alexandra, Birmingham until 15 April and continues to tour across the UK until 25 November. To book tickets for select touring venues including Birmingham, please click here.