‘Its a Hard Knock Life, For Me!’ – Annie, Picadilly Theatre, London. 30.11.2017

I was on annual leave, like always a theatre viewing had to be arranged! Thanks to Hannah that came easier then expected, as she had landed tickets to see the current production Annie at the Piccadilly Theatre. I kindly accepted and on a chilly night made my way to London.

I had been to this theatre once before, seeing Jersey Boys. Again I was based in the Royal Circle, but this time sat in Row B seat 2. Now you would think that I would be a side view, but when sitting I was pleasantly surprised. The Full stage could be seen, and faces also visible, you wouldn’t have thought I was seated at the very end of the row. I would recommend this seat, opening me up also to future bookings and not being too scared of sitting at the end.

Annie is the red haired girl that everyone knows, whether you have seen it on stage or the film version it is a story known by even those that don’t call themselves theatre lovers! Based in the city of New York, it tells the story of little orphan Annie, who lives along with other young orphans with Miss Hannigan. Given the chance to escape the run down ‘hard knock life,’ Annie is chosen by the secretary, Grace to spend Christmas with top business man Mr Warbucks. Finding that he is falling for Annie, Mr Warbucks plans on adopting Annie. But Annie is still determined to source her parents who left her long ago, a world wide search is arranged to find them – which doesn’t always go to plan! 

Annie, is one of the best musicals to introduce the children to theatre. It was great to see so much youth within the auditorium, but that is not to say that its not one for the adults too. Annie is a classic musical, with numbers such as ‘Tomorrow’ ‘NYC’ ‘Little Girls’ and ‘Hard Knock Life’ and a uplifting story there is much to enjoy! Some things that striked me the most was one, the chorography! From the mind of Nick Winston – who’s name has appeared before in my Wedding Singer blog, each dance has been carefully put in place step by step, with the mixture of tap, Charleston, and modern it brought a new breath of life into the classic. I just loved out each dance was presented, making it exciting and enjoyable throughout. Another thing I loved was the set design, created by Colin Richmond being set in New York you expect a busy set, but Colin’s simplistic take with the main focus being a jigsaw puzzle allowed us to focus on Annie’s story being put together – like a jigsaw. It was a stunning set, that wowed the audience as soon as they took their seats!

The Cast tonight was:

Kids – Team Rockefeller

Molly – Nicole Subebe

Duffy- Kathryn Whetter

Tessie – Dora Yolland

Pepper – Charlotte Ross-Gower

July – Nancy Allsop

Kate – Maisie Thorn

Annie – Ruby Stokes

Adult Cast 

Miss Hannigan – Meera Syal

Lt. Ward/Roosevelt – Russell Wilcox

Grace Farrell – Holly Dale Spencer

Daddy Warbucks – Alex Bourne

Rooster – Jonny Fines

Lily – Kate Somerset How

Bert Healy – Bobby Delany

Ensemble – Keisha Atwell, Melanie Cripps, Nic Gibney, Patrick Harber, George Ioannides, Anne Smith.

The well known name of the night was that of Meera Syal, known for her role in The Kumars at No.42 tonight she opened officially as Miss Hannigan. Taking over from the likes of Miranda Hart and Craig Revel Horwood, it was her time to take the light as the well known mean Hannigan who dreams of Easy Street, but instead falls to the glass gin bottle. I was intrigued to see how she would take to the stage and was pleasantly surprised, she had a lovely tone to her voice which was clearly displayed through her solo ‘Little Girls’ but one things is sure she can act, making the role her own, and remaining in character throughout with small subtle moments that stayed strong through out, not loosing sight of the background of the character at any point. She even got the audience chuckling throughout, which was a guarantee due to her background.

One person I loved seeing back on stage was Alex Bourne, having seen him in the past as Khassoggi in We Will Rock You it was great to see him in a new, alternative role as Daddy Warbucks. He was a stern billionaire, but with such a big heart that led the audience to warm to him instantly. He had his subtle comedy moments that you could see he enjoyed performing, and his voice is warming to the ears. His relationship with Annie, Ruby Stokes was also clearly displayed, truly showing how much she meant to him. Ruby taking on the title role, has the innocence, sweetness, and a set of pipes that are strong throughout. At times her acting would be forced, but that just supported by the way that Annie is.

There is a great share of children talent, and they clearly steal the show throughout. Showing again the many talents we have in our youth and currently on the West End, along with the adult ensemble they all just looked so natural together.

If you love the classic musicals, or want to introduce your family or children into the West End, Annie is the perfect one to attend. A feel good, loveable story that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and the songs that everyone remembers! 

Annie continues to perform at the Piccadilly Theatre, booking up until the 18th February for further ticket information go here.