MUSICAL REVIEW: Annie ★★★

Annie

Birmingham Hippodrome

30th October 2015

Whether you have either seen the 1982 or most recent 2014 film of the childhood classic Annie, you can't help but admit that it is one of the most uplifting stories of a young redhead orphan who goes on the search for her parents after Billionaire Oliver Warbucks helps her after Annie spends a Christmas placement with him to which he falls for Annie's charm and promises her that her parents would be found, so you'll be happy to know that I believe the stage adaption does the film massive respect in becoming one of the most uplifting productions I have seen in recent times.

Isabella Pappas took to the stage and shone as little Annie, who's clear crisp voice and powerful lungs gave won over the whole auditorium, and it doesn't even stop there as the other young female orphans gave equally as much passion and energy to their performances, giving these characters a chance to stand out in their own right.

Now Miss Hannigan is obviously known as the cruel mistress of the orphanage, who used to creep me out as a child when I watched the movies, so who better to play the iconic role than TV’s Strictly very own Mr nasty, Craig Revel Horwood. Though obviously a male, I couldn't stop but keep double looking in every scene as the transformation into Hannigan was unbelievably unrecognisable, and the voice he gave to the character was so believable and realistic, he really held onto the role the whole way through, and almost stole every scene he appeared in.

The set was so bold and colourful, it reminded me completely of Matilda the Musical, which is no criticism at all, as it really helped the production feel completely believable and genuine, as well as the costumes from all the main and ensemble together, it really felt like you had travelled back in time and was joining everyone on stage going along with the ride, to which the plot was snappy, keeping my complete concentration throughout and admittedly having me singing, secretly in my head, to all the songs at the top of my lungs.

Overall, Annie was a beautifully bright ball of joy that brought so many smiles to all the kids and adults in the crowd, and left me feeling uplifted leaving the theatre still humming ‘Tomorrow’ along the streets! A must see musical if given the chance!