Annie – Craig Revel Horwood

Considering this show’s star plays cruel Miss Hannigan (and ‘Strictly’ presents his good side!), there’s no wonder the dancing isn’t just sharp but razor. The lavish Broadway set, band and production values are matched by a super-charged cast as slick and dapper as whenever these words were true compliments. However, very young and old didn’t come for these but for the troupe of scruffy, loud and fabulous young dames led by Sophia Pettit (or Madeleine Haynes or Isabella Pappas) as Annie herself, who danced, stomped and sang out through this Depression-based tale promising that better tomorrow. This heart-warming show delivers!

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 10 August 2015
[rating: 4.5]
Andrew Connal