Annie - The Musical
Theatre Royal
Strictly's Craig Revel-Horwood is back at Norwich Theatre Royal this week, almost eight years after last starring here in 'Annie' as Miss Hannigan, keeper of the Hudson Street Orphanage. And, on this opening night, it is again his appearance as the cruel, gin-swilling, Agatha Hannigan that ignites the show, delivering a performance that he, himself, would surely describe in those three well-repeated words - “Fab-U-Lous!”
For this heart-tugging story of an eleven year old orphan, hanging on to the hope of being reunited with her real parents, has captured the imagination of tens of thousands of audiences since opening on Broadway in 1977. Set during the American Depression of the 1930's, and with characters and a plot that could have been inspired by the Victorian pen of Charles Dickens, 'Annie', and its underlying messages of hope and belief, remains as relevant today as ever it was.
With the school summer holidays now in full swing, it is wonderful to see the Theatre Royal filled with so many young children for this Tuesday evening performance. And it is the children in the cast that make this show so special. We are not told the name of which, from the trio of young actors listed in the programme, actually played the role of Annie tonight, nor the names of tonight's other orphans – Molly, Pepper, July, Duffy, Tessie and Kate. This is a shame, for it is the combined energy and enthusiasm of this junior troupe that is so integral to the show's success, and recognition of this is surely deserved? Their dancing and singing is never less than spot on, and whenever they are on stage together the atmosphere is never short of electric.
However, we do know that the dog who plays Sandy is called Amber.
Horwood's Miss Hannigan is deliciously wicked, and is wonderfully foiled by Paul French and Emily Barnett-Salter's scheming ne'er-do-good duo Rooster and Lily. Amelia Adams is delightful as Daddy Warbucks' private secretary, and Alex Bourne is genially convincing as the philanthropic billionaire.
We all know how the story goes, we all know the words to 'Tomorrow' and 'It's A Hard-Knock Life', and we are all firmly on board for the entire roller coaster ride of Annie's dream. With scintillating choreography, vibrant lighting, and brilliant sets and costumes, this version of 'Annie' is better than ever.
'A-maz-ing'
STOP PRESS – I have just been told that Annie was played last night by Sharangi Gnanavarathan with the Chrysler team. Well done Sharangi, you were awesome!
