Annie is without a shadow of a doubt a musical theatre behemoth. Even those who profess to be less than keen on the genre have been known to be tempted across the threshold of a theatre to see this show. More than simply going to see it, they have been known to leave whistling the famous numbers and might ever after occasionally break out into a tap routine whilst brandishing a mop and bucket. It is a phenomenon. ‘Annie’ first emerged onto the bright lights of the stage in 1977. The book is by Thomas Meehan, lyrics by Martin Charnin and the music by Charles Strouse. It tells the story of a group of orphans living in 1930s Depression hit New York. They live a grim life under the less than enthusiastic “protection” of gin swilling Miss Agatha Hannigan (surely one of the best stage villains ever written). Annie’s luck soon begins to change when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire businessman Oliver ‘daddy’ Warbucks. The drama and tension emerge when Miss Hannigan has other ideas and attempts to sabotage little orphan Annie’s happiness. Will it be a happy ever after for the eponymous orphan?
This touring production, directed by Nikolai Foster, is lavish to say the least. As you take your seat in the (mercifully air conditioned) Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, the set (designed by Colin Richmond) seems to leap out at you. Jigsaw pieces hang from the ceiling giving a homely, child-friendly feeling. This vibe clashes with the Victorian style hospital style beds of the cruel orphanage which lie beneath. It gives clues about the plot that is about to unfold. It draws you in to the action.
The role of Annie in this production is played by a trio of talented young actors and this evening it is the turn of Poppy Cunningham. She is completely charming in the role – gutsy and sweet, vulnerable and at the same time feisty. This young performer has no trouble at all tackling extremely well-known numbers such as ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Tomorrow’. She is completely believable. Her voice is spectacular. There is no hint of the obnoxious or precocious that might so easily come with the territory. The other orphan children (of which there are a host) inevitably steal the show, each having their own chance to shine at various moments in the big production numbers. Special mention to Karin Narumi who plays Molly with such gusto!
Alex Bourne depicts a very believable Daddy Warbucks. Bourne manages to successfully combine the slightly stern and aloof with the soft hearted and warm elements of the character. His scenes with Annie are especially tender. It is clear that this is a well-honed performance and yet it is totally natural too.
Warbucks’ secretary Grace (Amelia Adams) is sweet but not saccharine and is on Annie’s side right from the start. Adams gives Grace a natural, maternal charm and it is impossible not to be rooting for her success from the outset.
Paul French is a magnificent Rooster, who is Miss Hannigan’s brother and a convict hell bent on further criminal expeditions. French gives Rooster a healthy dose of sleazy charm and is funny but without slipping into cartoon caricature. The young folks in the audience near me certainly love to hate him.
The undisputed star of the show (and quite possibly the reason that a good number of the audience are here tonight) is Craig Revel Horwood, who quite honestly inhabits Miss Hannigan. It won’t surprise any fans of Strictly that Revel Horwood can dance (it’s a ten from me!). The routines are fab-u-lous! But what may surprise some is that he can sing too. He has an excellent voice – his rendition of ‘Easy Street’ is magnificent. Revel Horwood leads the company fantastically and adds, unsurprisingly, the perfect blend of pantomime villain and genuine showbiz sparkle to the performance. He was born for this part.
I must mention one further very special performer too – Sandy, the orphaned dog who is rescued by Annie. I’m not sure of the name of the canine thespian that we are seeing tonight but he is adorable. It is lovely to see the relationship between human and canine performers on stage and he is enthusiastically received by the audience at every appearance.
All in all, Annie is a must-see show. It is a timeless rags-to-riches story which is perfect for all the family. The choreography by Nick Winston is fresh and exciting, and the music under the direction of Joshua Griffith is bright and perfectly timed to fit the dialogue and action. You can’t help but leave the theatre feeling like it’s not such a hard knock life after all!
