Hull New Theatre – until 28th October 2023
Reviewed by Dawn Bennett
5*****
Michael Harrison David Ian for Crossroads Live with Exposition Productions and Ramin Sabi present Annie. With music by Charles Stouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and the book by Thomas Meehan
Last night at Hull New Theatre we were treated to a fantastic performance of Annie and to be quite honest it is definitely worth more than the maximum five stars I’m allowed to give it!
Annie is set New York in the Great Depression of the 1930’s and follows the story of Annie (Zoe Akinyosade) who ends up in Miss Hannigan’s (Craig Revel Horwood) orphanage when she is left there as a baby by her parents with only a broken locket and a note. Annie and the other orphans lead a terrible life at the orphanage and love to cause the rather drunk and strict Miss Hannigan a lot of havoc!
After running away from the orphanage Annie spends time on the streets with the homeless and meets Sandy the dog (played by Labradoodle Amber who caused lots of ooohs and awws from the audience!). She is taken back to the orphanage were she then meets New York Billionaire Mr Warbucks (Alex Bourne) and his secretary, Grace Farrell (Alex Bourne) and is invited to spend two weeks over Christmas with them in his fabulous mansion. She gets to live her best life there as the story unfolds.
The music and songs are very recognisable (played magnificently by the Orchestra under the musical direction of Joshua Griffith) from You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow and many more. My absolute favourite is Easy Street, sang and performed by Miss Hannigan (Craig Revel Horwood) her brother Rooster (Paul French) and Roosters girlfriend Lily (Billie-Kay).
Zoe Akinyosade was brilliant as Annie, she’s a very talented performer and definitely one to watch. The part of Miss Hannigan was made for Craig Revel Horwood, he played the character with such menace, humour and sass that he was great to watch. And I know he’s probably heard this 100’s of times but he really was fab u lous!
The whole cast of this show are brilliant from the very talented orphans to the equally talented ensemble. It is joyous way to spend a couple of hours and I would recommend anyone to go and see it