UK Theatre Network

Annie

The Sunderland Empire Theatre

The story of how a little orphan girl named Annie, with the help of her friends, outsmarts a nasty orphanage manager and finds the family she’s always dreamed of is one that has delighted and enchanted audiences since 1976.

Although based upon a cartoon strip that started life in the Chicago Tribune in the 1920s, it has grown into one of the best-loved tales that has ever been told. From its Broadway beginnings, it was made into a 1982 classic movie starring Carol Burnett and Albert Finney and it has continued to enthral theatre audiences the world over ever since.

This uplifting and shamelessly sentimental show is playing at Sunderland Empire for one week only, starring showbiz legend Su Pollard as the dastardly matron of the New York Municipal Orphanage.

Following on from big-name actresses such as Sheila Hancock, Lesley Joseph, Ruth Madoc and Vicki Michelle, Su relishes the role of Miss Hannigan and gives the character lots of layers. Her vast experience of playing comedic roles stand her in good stead to play the drunken lush and her sensational singing voice is utilised to maximum effect in numbers that include Easy Street and Little Girls. Indeed, Miss Pollard gives a consummate performance that dominates the entire show.

David McAlister co-stars as Oliver Warbucks, the billionaire businessman whose hard heart is melted by the optimism and innocence of the street-wise auburn orphan. His performance is genuine, polished and totally believable. His splendid singing voice is spot-on, too.

Strong supporting performances are given by Simone Craddock as Grace Farrell, James Gavin as Rooster and Sophie McEwan as Lily St Regis and the ensemble – of whom there are more than forty – play a variety of minor roles to great effect.

However, as always, it is the animals and children that seem to upstage everyone else and Lydia Tunstall gives a performance to prove that she is a true star-in-the-making as Annie. The scenes that she shares with the other orphans are real highlights, especially their renditions of It’s The Hard Knock Life and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile. Annie’s mangy mongrel mate, Sandy, also draws gasps of ‘aahhs’ from the audience and almost threatens to steal the show on occasion.

It is almost impossible not to be won over by this fantastic production – there are great performances, great songs and a great storyline. Leapin’ Lizards, it’s a whole lot of fun!

The sun has come out and is shining on the stage of the Empire, so don’t wait until Tomorrow – book your tickets today.

Steve Burbridge.