Annie The Musical - Review
Annie The Musical UK Tour - Review:
This fun, family-friendly, heart-warming show is currently touring the UK and last night we went along to the press night at The very wonderful Orchard Theatre, in Dartford Kent. I can tell you now, ‘Annie The Musical’ is a complete hit with audiences of all ages and you’d be a fool to miss it!.
‘Annie The Musical’ is a production set in New York in the 1930’s and is about an orphanage, run by the very dislikable Miss Hannigan, excellently played by Craig Revel Horwood. This high-spirited family show follows the courageous and lovable orphaned Annie, fabulously played by Poppy Cunningham, as she decides to run away and sets-out on a captivating journey to try and find her long-lost, parents.
Along the way, she meets Daddy Warbucks, (Alex Bourne) the lovable, wealthy businessman; Grace Farrell, (Amelia Adams) his loyal secretary; and the devious Miss Hannigan, her brother, Rooster (Paul French) and Lily (Billie-Kay) who are determined to prevent Annie from ever finding her parents and making big bucks in the process!
The orphans consist of loveable, but boisterous children, with individual personalities of their own. The audience absolutely loved them for providing plenty of entertainment. These kids have some serious talent and the choreography and singing skills are something to definitely be seen and heard. Their futures are definitely shining bright!!
Oh and Annie’s lovable dog Sandy, she adopts on her journey needs to have a shout out here. There were lots of “Ooohh’s and aahhh’s” from the audience as this adorable pooch appears on stage, dragging his lead around behind him.
Every single actor was simply brilliant, this show, with this cast, totally deserves a West-End quality, seal of approval. The music, the set, the performances are all ridiculously outstanding.
One actor especially caught my eye though, but for a different reason. If there were ever to be the most perfect Disney villain, I think he can be found in this show. (I’m thinking Dr. Facilier from ‘Princess and the frog’) this guy is just amazing. Paul French, who played ‘Rooster’ – Well, his performance was just mesmerising!
You can’t have a musical without some fab tunes, and ‘Annie The Musical’ delivers. This musical features all of the classic songs from the film, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Tomorrow,” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.” All of which are performed in true, magical Broadway style.
‘Annie The Musical’ has become one of the world’s most popular family shows and it is easy to see why. Both myself and my boy came out of the auditorium buzzing, we loved everything about this show and so did everyone around us.
Young or old, DO NOT miss out on the chance to see this fantastic show, you will regret it!
‘Annie The Musical’ is currently on at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, Kent between 1st – 6th May 2023 and you can find out more, including how to get your tickets by visiting The Orchard Theatre’s website here.
Annie The Musical
Book written by: Thomas Meehan
Music: Charles Strouse
Lyrics: Martin Charnin
Director: Nikolai Foster
Set and Costume Designer: Colin Richmond
Choreographer: Nick Winston
Musical Superviser: George Dyer
Main Cast
Poppy Cunningham, Craig Revel Horwood, Alex Bourne, Amelia Adams,Paul French, Billie-Kay, David Burrows, and Sandy the Dog.