Bristol Hippodrome – until 23 March 2019
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
4****
We’ve got Annie! The timeless classic has arrived in Bristol, and leaping lizards what a performance!!
The story begins with Annie (Freya Yates) and her friends in an orphanage run by the wicked Miss Hannigan (Anita Dobson). Annie is taken in by Mr Warbucks (Alex Bourne) and his assistant Grace Farrell (Carolyn Maitland) who begin to love Annie and want to adopt her, until her ‘real’ parents(Richard Meek and Jenny Gayner) come to take her, but are only interested in a large money sum Mr Warbucks is offering. This show has such a heart warming feel and is loved by all who see it!
Anita Dobson, as Miss Hannigan, was spectacular. She encapsulated the drunken mess that is Miss Hannigan perfectly, giving a sterling performance. She was excellent at providing comedy through her viciously spiteful character, almost making me liking her wicked character! The rendition of Little Girls was hilariously brilliant and was a joy to watch. Alone with Richard Meek and Jenny Gaynor as Rooster and Lily St Regis, this treble act provided perfect vocals and an all round enjoyable performance-particularly during Easy Street.
Alex Bourne and Carolyn Maitland as Daddy Warbucks and Grace Farrell we’re fantastic. Bourne nailed the character, turning on the charm with Something was Missing and I Don’t Need Anything But You. He has such a wonderful voice that has such a beautiful quality-perfectly cast! Maitland was stunning. Her soaring voice was beautiful and really showed her talents. She also had the most lovely rapport with Bourne, eventually leading to a romance that highlights the show beautifully-Annie finally gets her family.
Freya Yates as Annie was amazing. For a young girl, she had such courage and precision in her performance that carried the show. She perfected Tomorrow and brought the cheeky, humble and loving character to life. Along with ‘Amber’ who played Sandy the dog, she was a superbly cheeky little girl, with an extremely bright future ahead of her!
All of the ensemble were brilliant; the young girls of Team Rockefeller and the all the adult members of the cast brought the show together. The fabulously in sync dancing from the adults and powerful vocals from the children was a joy to watch. One scene stealer was Honey-Rose Quinn as Molly. She was such a carefree character, with a bright smile and outstanding comedic timing-soon she will be playing Annie, I’m sure!
With phenomenally smooth set changes, cheeky children, a drunken lady and vocals to die for, this really is not a show to miss!!