Annie: "theatre filled with excitement and anticipation"

It’s a hard knock life spending your Monday nights in a theatre filled with excitement and anticipation. The crackling and commentary from a radio welcomes the audience into the auditorium, where the eyes are met by the six beds and a towering door from inside the New York orphanage. A great open curtain and soft start to the show promises a gripping production of this rags to riches story.

The long-running musical and numerously produced film is on its latest tour of the UK. Following the original story of orphan Annie, who goes to stay with Billionaire Mr. Warbucks for two weeks over Christmas only to end up, along with all the other orphans, escaping the cruel Miss Hannigan.

This current production of Annie Choreographed superbly by Nick Winston is full of great ensemble routines and detailed big musical numbers which carry the show. Paired with the equally slick set design from Colin Richmond and finishing touches from Ben Cracknell (Lighting Design) the production is a kaleidoscope for the eyes. All these elements help catch the audience’s attention and bring clarity to the quiet storytelling that is taking place.

A worthy mention goes to the performance of Paul French as Rooster, who was energetic, disturbing and eye-catching. Someone who I hope to see in a leading role soon! A standout performance amongst the fine cast of the production.

Annie is at Theatre Royal Plymouth till Saturday 19th and is certainly a treat for all generations, from those who haven’t seen it before to those who remember the first film in 1982, it is still worth another watch. A musical that hasn’t aged and I’m sure will be around again soon, but why not go and see it Tomorrow!