Annie

This excellent and heart-warming show always puts a smile on my face. The smart new setting works well, slick and witty although why the jigsaw motif I have still to work out, but it works and mainly because each rolling part is not just pushed on but is choreographed into place. What great dancing we get too, vibrant, delivered by a superb company. That includes a feisty gang of orphans who nail their numbers with such energy. At the centre of course is Annie, last night played by Madeleine Haynes. She had exactly what it takes to deliver this role, enough sass, enough sweet charm and enough sadness to deliver the bathos that makes the show that much better than your average schmaltz. But schmaltz is an essential ingredient and the principals dish it out by the bowlful. Jonny Fines is a super sleazy Rooster, all strut and spittle. Holly Dale Spencer is sweetness personified as Grace Farrell and Alex Bourne is charming as the soft-centred tycoon Daddy Warbucks. Lesley Joseph gives Miss Hannigan real edge, plays it less drunk than other actors in the role and it’s better for that, more measured. Whilst her Bronx accent is not strong she more than makes up for it when she sings, delivering her numbers with real guts and dancing up a storm too – I loved you Miss Hannigan!
Theatre Royal Brighton
12 January
Andrew Kay
5 stars