UK Theatre Network

Chris Moreno presents

Annie

At Milton Keynes Theatre

This show tells the story of Annie an eleven year old child who had been left on the steps of a New York orphanage ten years ago, with a note from her parents saying they would return for her one day. The orphanage was run by Miss Hannigan (Su Pollard) who appeared to dislike children immensely and subjected Annie and the other orphans to a life of drudgery, whilst she consumed numerous bottles of alcohol. The children were dressed in ragged clothes and were fed what they referred to as “mush.” Despite this Annie remained optimistic that her parents would return to collect her one day. I thought Su Pollard was excellent in this role, whilst her character was unpopular, she was very amusing.

Annie is given some respite from the orphanage when a very wealthy businessman called Oliver Warbucks (David McAlister) decides to invite an orphan to spend Christmas at his mansion. His assistant Grace Farrell (Simone Craddock) visits the orphanage and chooses Annie for this treat, much to the annoyance of Miss Hannigan. Mr Warbucks takes Annie under his wing, being moved by her plight and finding her optimism in her belief that she will be reunited with her parents one day impressive. He decides to help Annie find her parents and enlists the help of some of his contacts, in addition to offering a reward. If Annie’s parents can’t be found he wants to adopt her himself. Miss Hannigan and her nasty brother Rooster (Philip Andrew) have their own devious plot. I won’t reveal any more of the story, you will have to go and see the show if you want to know what happens.

David McAlister was totally believable as the mega rich Oliver Warbucks. Grace Farrell was equally suited to the role of his assistant. As I mentioned before, Su Pollard was hilarious as Miss Hannigan. Ashley Knight deserves special mention; he played the apple seller and also Drake where he stole the show as Mr Warbucks’ butler. His antics were very amusing. I also admired Audrey Leybourne’s two very different roles as the ‘Hour of Smiles’ Producer and Mrs Pugh at Oliver Warbucks’ mansion. Special mention should be given to all the children who took part and performed really well.

The scenery was magnificent, very lavish and the numerous scene changes were carried out effectively and discreetly. I particularly liked the staircase at Oliver Warbucks’ mansion. There was a variety of scenery used from the shabby orphanage to the opulence of The White House or Oliver Warbucks’ mansion. The costumes were also appropriate ranging from the orphans’ rags, the servants uniforms to the evening dresses.

I should also mention the musical numbers that are performed throughout the show, whilst I can’t list them all, well known songs such as ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Tomorrow’ were well received.

This show has a real feel good factor and as there were numerous children in the audience it clearly has appeal as family entertainment. If this is your type of show then you should not miss this production.

Annie plays Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 31^st August to Saturday 4^th September 2010. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee).

The tour then continues playing the Hexagon Theatre Reading from Monday 6^th September to Saturday 11^th September 2010.

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com  www.theatre4u.co.uk/annie

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Tuesday 31^st August 2010.