Review: ANNIE, The Alexandra - UK tour
Photo credit: Paul Coltas
It may be a "hard-knock life" for the orphans, but these young performers are clearly having the time of their lives starring in the current UK tour of the much-loved musical Annie. Set in 1930s New York, the story follows the brave and optimistic orphan who dreams of finding the parents who left her in the care of the cruel Miss Hannigan.
The scene is set in the orphanage dormitory when we open, framed by Colin Richmond's striking jigsaw-piece design, complete with oversized tabs and borders. The imagery feels symbolic of Annie's fractured life, with the missing pieces gradually falling into place when billionaire Oliver Warbucks invites her to spend Christmas at his mansion and an unbreakable bond begins to form. Ben Cracknell's green and blue lighting creates a suitably bleak and poverty-stricken atmosphere, but the young actresses playing the orphans (the Rockefeller team on press night) bring warmth, energy and light to every moment they spend on stage.
Nikolai Foster's production is, for the most part, briskly paced, with only a handful of dialogue-heavy scenes causing the momentum to dip slightly. The musical numbers, however, are bursting with energy, thanks in no small part to Nick Winston's vibrant choreography, which is delivered with precision, character and real attack. There's also an impressive variety of dance styles on display, from the hip-hop-inspired movement of ‘It's the Hard Knock Life’ to the jazzy swagger of ‘Easy Street’ and the classic tap routines showcased brilliantly in ‘N.Y.C’.
The sound mix felt a little inconsistent on press night, with some dialogue and lyrics occasionally lost beneath the orchestra. There were also a few delayed microphone and followspot pickups. While noticeable, these issues never significantly detracted from what remains a technically accomplished and visually impressive production.
Miss Hannigan is a role often associated with star casting and this tour's headline name is La Voix. Following her impressive run on Strictly Come Dancing, which introduced her talents to a wider audience, she proves exactly why she has long been regarded as one of the UK's premier drag and cabaret performers. An undeniable presence whenever she appears, La Voix seems to relish every moment as the drunken, volatile orphanage owner. Yet even Hannigan's villainy pales in comparison to the schemes of her criminal brother Rooster (Christian Cooper) and his girlfriend Lily (Amber Kennedy), who arrive with plans to claim the $50,000 reward Warbucks has offered to help Annie find her parents.
Alex Bourne brings warmth, heart and quiet vulnerability to Oliver Warbucks, making it easy to see the profound impact Annie has on his otherwise all-consuming business-focused existence. As Grace Farrell, Tanisha-Mae Brown exudes star quality, lighting up every scene in which she appears. Possessing both elegance and charisma in abundance, she feels destined to tackle many of musical theatre's most coveted leading roles.
Of course, the title role belongs to Annie herself, and Sophia Saravanan (on press night) delivers a wonderfully assured performance. There are occasional moments where her intentions seem apparent a fraction before the action unfolds, but this is a minor observation in an otherwise hugely impressive portrayal. Her confidence never wavers, and the warmth and generosity she brings to her interactions with the rest of the company make her a thoroughly engaging central figure. Saravanan is undoubtedly a name to watch.
And then there is Dizzy, playing the lovable Sandy. The old adage warns against working with children and animals, but this production serves as a delightful reminder of just how wrong that advice can be.
Proof that some classics never lose their charm, this is a heartwarming, uplifting and thoroughly entertaining production that everyone involved should be immensely proud of.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
