A long standing family favourite, the 2023 UK tour of Annie gets off to a strong start at Leicester’s Curve.
Orphan Annie finds a way of escaping tyrannical Mrs Hannigan when billionaire Mr Warbucks seeks a companion for Christmas. While Annie gets accustomed to living in Warbucks’ mansion, she still longs to meet her parents.
Excellent direction from Nikolai Foster and dynamic choreography from Nick Winston keeps this production moving, a neverending whirlwind. Boasting a Tony® award-winning book and score, strong on beats, brass, and earworms performed wonderfully by the orchestra, you’re bound to be humming the sun will come out for days.
Zoe Akinyosade starred as Annie, the role being shared throughout the tour between herself, Harlie Barthram, and Poppy Cunningham. Zoe is superb as the spunky orphan, warming the audience with her characteristic optimism.
The ensemble of orphan girls (team Chrysler on press night) bring a fantastic amount of energy and attitude to the stage, with plenty of cooing for delicate Molly. They especially shine in Hard-Knock Life, an energetic rendition that almost draws you to your feet to join them in the raucous fun.
Seeing Craig Revel-Horwood emerge on stage in a fetching pink negligee was not on my bingo card for 2023, but after a relentless reputation as the stern Strictly judge it was refreshing to see him have fun as the bitter Miss Hannigan even if his accent did swing rather wildly.
Paul French and Billie-Kay are dynamic duo Rooster and Lily, the sleazy villains we love to hate. Amelia Adams brings her stunning vibrato to the role of gentle but no-nonsense secretary Grace, and Alex Bourne is wonderful as the secretly soft-hearted Daddy Warbucks; a particularly charming duet with Annie tugging at many heartstrings.
There have been many innovative ways of involving dogs on stage in recent years, but nothing beats the real thing, and Sandy got a suitable amount of applause for her efforts!
Michael Harrison and David Ian’s hit production is well worth a family night at the theatre. Annie is showing at the Curve until 4th March, purchase tickets here: https://anniethemusicaltour.uk/#tour-dates
Katie Reviews 