The Sun will Come Out…’ Annie, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 02.05.2023

It was once again back to the Orchard theatre for the current UK tour of Annie, having seen the production previously I was looking forward to seeing what this cast had in store.

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 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 how each dance was presented, making it exciting and enjoyable throughout. Another thing that drew the eye was the set design, created by Colin Richmond having a musical being set in New York City you’d 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!

Craig Revel Horwood, the ‘strict’ Strictly Judge is again in the high heels of strict Orphanage manager Miss Hannigan, was FAB-u-LOUS! His take on the role was perfect for the characteristics of Hannigan, who dreams of easy street but instead results to the bottom of the gin bottle. From his drunkenness comedy, to his great toned voice which is greatly shown in ‘Little Girls’ and ‘Easy Street.’ but one things for sure is he could not put a dancing step wrong and it was great to see him in action the dancing shows and not behind the judging panel!

Alex Bourne, also returns as Mr. Warbucks, the stern billionaire but with such a big heart that ensures 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, Poppy Cunningham was also clearly displayed, truly showing how much she meant to him. Poppy taking on the title red headed Orphan, had the innocence, sweetness, and a warming tone to her voice. Her acting and quick witted comic timing also had the audience chuckling.

There is a great share of children talent, with Annie’s fellow orphans that clearly steal the show throughout with impressive singing and amazing dancing. I particularly loved little Molly played by Karin Narumi, who was very cute, but a little girl with a great attitude, I’m sure a favourite for many in the audience too! Its a great thing about this musical is it enables to show the many talents we have in our youth and currently on the West End, along with the adult ensemble, they were all a great team and all perfectly matched.

There is no denying that Annie is a classic in the land of musical theatre, but this current production brings the a new take and upgrade that it needs to get the bums on seats and enjoying. I highly recommend this being a great first musical for your children who will also instantly fall in love and wish that they were up there dancing too – I can’t wait to take my little one when she is older!

Playing at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 6th May 2023, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue on its UK Tour, for all dates head to the website here.