JADAR

There is something particularly special about attending one of the first performances of a national tour. The excitement in the auditorium, the anticipation of seeing a production begin its journey, and the sense of witnessing the start of something great all add to the experience. Having seen the opening night of the UK tour of Annie, I am confident that audiences across the country are in for a treat.

Beyond being an incredibly entertaining, dynamic, and heartwarming musical, Annie stands out for its impeccable technical execution. Every scene transition, choreography sequence, lighting cue, and costume change appears neatly planned and coordinated. The production demonstrates an impressive level of attention to detail that allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story.

It quickly becomes clear why Annie remains one of the most beloved musicals ever to grace the West End. The show offers all the charm, emotion, and spectacle of the very best Disney films, with the added magic of experiencing everything unfold live on stage.

Although the story is familiar to many, it is told in such an engaging way that every scene feels fresh. The relentless energy, infectious optimism, and rhythmic pace ensure that the audience rarely has a moment to disengage, and smiles remain firmly in place from beginning to end.
The cast delivers outstanding performances throughout.

The young actresses playing Annie (Victoria Alsina on press night) and her fellow orphans are particularly remarkable. It is not every day that audiences witness performers of such a young age executing demanding choreography, complex lyrics, and convincing character work with such confidence and precision. Their professionalism is genuinely impressive.

The production also benefits from a strong ensemble with Belle Kizzy Green as a dance captain, whose energy drives many of the show’s many memorable moments. Among the standout performances are Yujin Park as an Apple seller and Michaela Stern as Mrs Pugh, whose character work adds depth and personality to the larger ensemble scenes.

The numerous costumes, beautifully designed and thoughtfully detailed by Colin Winston, bring the world of 1930s New York vividly to life.

One of the most distinctive musical features of the production is the unusual combination of children’s voices and the adult chorus. The contrast between youthful innocence and fuller ensemble harmonies creates a rich sound that is not often heard in musical theatre. Supported by George Dyer’s live orchestration, the music arrangements feel vibrant and full of life throughout the evening.

Among the core cast, both Tanisha-Mae Brown as Grace Farrell and Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks deliver a particularly impressive vocal performance, bringing warmth and status to their roles. Meanwhile, La Voix proves impossible not to love as Miss Hannigan. Combining excellent comic timing, sharp satire, commanding stage presence, and strong vocals, she creates a character who is simultaneously outrageous, hilarious, and always entertaining.

Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning some of the production’s most popular performers – Amber and Dizzy as Sandy the dog. Their appearances generated some of the loudest reactions of the evening, and at times it seemed as though the adults in the audience were even more excited than the children.

While Annie remains a family musical at heart, it offers considerably more than simple entertainment. The show works wonderfully for audiences of all ages. Children are captivated by its fairy-tale qualities and colourful characters, experiencing it almost as a live-action animated film. Adults, meanwhile, appreciate the humour aimed at older audiences and the deeper social and political themes braided into the narrative.

For many millennials, Annie also carries an extra layer of nostalgia. If the phrase “I shall not lie” immediately triggers the scene in your mind, you are very much the target audience for this trip down your youth lane.

Unexpectedly, seeing Annie as an adult can evoke surprisingly mixed emotions. While the story still functions as a heartwarming fairy tale, its themes resonate differently with mature audiences. Rather than focusing solely on Annie’s search for her parents, one begins to notice the wider social landscape surrounding her. The struggles of ordinary people during the Great Depression, the hopes and disappointments of those trying to build better lives, and the humanity of even the smallest supporting characters all become more apparent. You find yourself empathising not only with Annie but with nearly everyone she encounters, even Rooster (Christian Cooper) and Lily (Amber Kennedy).

These sociological and political layers give the musical a richness that elevates it beyond a simple feel-good story. Combined with its unforgettable songs, exceptional performances, and flawless technical execution, they make Annie a remarkably well-rounded production.

The first stop of the tour left its audience thoroughly delighted. If opening night is any indication, every subsequent performance will send theatre-goers home just as happy as we were.

Annie runs at Palace Theatre Manchester until June 20 2026 and tours the UK until March 14 2027. La Voix stars as Miss Hannigan until July 4 2026, before being replaced by Clare Sweeney.

Photo: Paul Coltas