Many of you will know the story of little orphan Annie set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression. I was excited to find out the show was headed to Curve, especially knowing that Craig Revel Horwood was to star as Miss Hannigan.
As soon as we were introduced to Annie, played by Zoe Akinyosade, and the orphans, I knew we were in for a treat. Every one of the children cast in this show was outstanding and they all worked so well together.
Zoe has a huge singing voice and great acting skills too. I particularly liked her version of ‘Tomorrow’. The other stand out cast member of the group of orphans was Suki Hillier who played Molly so well, this seven year old didn’t put a foot wrong and was enchanting to watch.
If you haven’t seen Annie (where have you been?) the story focuses on the orphanage where Annie lives after being left on the doorstep as a baby. The children are made to clean the building daily by the austere Miss Hannigan. Grace Farrell, played by Amelia Adams and Billionaire Oliver Warbucks, played by Alex Bourne, take Annie in for Christmas and Warbucks warms to Annie and ends up wanting to adopt her.
But Annie believes her mother and father are still alive and wants to find them and so Warbucks offers a $50,000 reward for her parents to be found. Many claim to be Annie’s parents including Miss Hannigan’s own brother but it’s clear they are only after the money.
When Hannigan’s brother Rooster, played by Paul French and his girlfriend, Lily St Regis show up at the orphanage and the three of them belt out ‘Easy Street’ it is just incredible, and worth coming to the show just to watch that number!
Craig Revel Horwood was just perfect in the role of the formidable Miss Hannigan, and commanded the stage so well. His version of ‘Little Girls’ was excellent – what a voice!
The choreography was simply brilliant throughout the show, I particularly liked ‘Hard Knock Life’ – the timing with the girls particularly given their age, was spot on.
And of course, who could forget the dog Sandy, who I believe was played by Amber last night. She knew her cues and didn’t put a paw wrong!
The standing ovation at the end told the cast all they needed to know – they were a hit.
Annie is the perfect family show and a joy to watch. If you managed to get tickets for this sell out show you won’t be disappointed.
Annie is at Curve until Saturday 4 March.