Annie

I have to confess that I am an Annie virgin. I have never read the cartoons or seen the film, despite really liking 1930s musicals. The first stage production opened in Broadway in 1977, ran for nearly six years and has rarely been off the stage since. It’s obviously popular and well-liked – but what could the cast of the touring production at the New Victoria theatre have to entice people out in the pouring rain on Monday night?

This is the story of Annie, a gutsy orphan in 1930s America, at the time of the Great Depression. We first see Annie with her friends at the state orphanage. They are ill-treated and worked very hard, while the Horrible Miss Hannigan pockets the profits.

Annie escapes and sets off to search for her parents, she befriends a dog, finds happiness in a homeless community, is chased and caught. , until a chance meeting brings her into contact with billionaire Oliver Warbucks who wants to help. Plans are very nearly scuppered by Miss Hannigan’s despicable brother and his wife until the FBI and even the American president get involved.

The first thing I realised was that I knew many of the songs. How does that happen? Well, I think it’s down to the fabulous music by Charles Strouse and the memorable lyrics by Martin Charnin. Among my personal favourites are It’s The Hard-Knock Life and Tomorrow.

So, what else makes this 2019 production, fresh from the West End, a must-watch show? Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood portrays the very drunk Miss Hannigan with finesse, and the dances with Rooster (Richard Meek) and Lily (Jenny Gayner) were full of fun and frivolity. Freya Yates (Annie) sings and dances like a true professional, capturing the hearts of the audience as well as that of the billionaire Warbucks with her fresh-faced philosophy. Amber resumed her role as Sandy the dog, what a star!

Alex Bourne (Warbucks) was very believable as the billionaire whose life is changed forever, while his secretary Grace (Carolyn Maitland) sang and danced beautifully. The choreography was excellent throughout. We were treated to some inspired tap dancing and Charleston routines thanks to Nick Winston. The costumes were colourful and very 1930s. All the cast members put on a good show but Molly, played by Honey-Rose Quin,, who was full of energy and sang well, deserves a special mention. A feast of pure escapism that will leave you feeling full of hope and joy. This show is a real treat for all the family, a ray of sunshine in our cloud-filled sky.

[Tricia McNamee, June 2019]

Annie is on at the New Victoria theatre, Woking , from Monday 10 June to Saturday 15 June at 7.30pm, with matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.