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The all singing all dancing classic musical Annie runs at the Wales Millennium centre until 8th July – Here’s what we thought……
It’s enthralled theatre audiences for decades and spawned hit films. And for this week, Annie the musical will entertain packed audiences at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Annie the Musical has always been a fan favourite, enchanting audiences with its heartwarming story and memorable songs. However, the recent production featuring the talent of Craig Revel Horwood takes this all singing, all dancing, timeless tale to new heights, delivering a truly magical experience that will leave you bouncing in your seat and beaming with joy.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, Annie is the story of brave young orphan Annie, who along with her friends, is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. However, her luck changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan, her sisnster brother Rooster and his wife Lily hatch a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family and bag themselves $50,000.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”28689″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I went along with my kids, who are twin 7-year-olds, who had recently played orphans in their local drama group production of Annie and are enormous fans of film. Needless to say, they were absolutely thrilled and excited for weeks leading up to the show.
The big star of the show is Strictly Judge, Craig Revel Horwood, who’s portrayal of Miss Hannigan, was undeniably entertaining and provided numerous moments of laughter throughout the performance. His comedic timing and physicality were impeccable as you would imagine, bringing the character to life in a truly engaging way. However, I personally found his New York accent to be less convincing compared to the outstanding performance of young Annie, played by Zoe Akinyosade. Akinyosade’s rendition of Annie was superb, and In the presence of 6.1 Craig Revel Horwood’s in high heels towering stage presence, young Zoe Akinyosade’s portrayal of Annie appeared even more remarkable. The stark contrast in size between the two performers served to emphasise her incredible talent. Despite her smaller frame, she commanded the stage with her powerful voice and believable acting skills, captivating the audience with each note and every heartfelt moment. Akinyosade’s ability to hold her own alongside the seasoned and larger-than-life Horwood speaks volumes about her potential as a rising star in the world of musical theatre.
The entire cast of Annie the Musical shines bright, with exceptional young talent bringing the beloved orphans to life beautifully. Their chemistry on stage is palpable, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Every song and dance number is executed with precision and passion, showcasing the immense talent of both the seasoned actors and the rising stars.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”30653″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Some standout performances came from Paul French as Miss Hannigan’s brother, Rooster. who portrayed the deranged villain with great finesse, injecting the character with a mix of sinister charm and neurotic emotions. His delivery of plot setting one-liners was superb, adding a layer of depth to the overall performance.
Amelia Adams, in the role of Grace Farrell, deserves special mention for her breathtaking voice. Her vocal prowess added that classic musical vibe to the musical numbers, leaving the audience in awe of her talent. Alex Bourne, who played Daddy Warbucks, delivered a brilliant performance along side her, capturing the essence of the character with his commanding stage presence and nuanced portrayal.
Finally, the final shout out goes to Sandy, the lovable canine companion, deserves recognition – He was a bit of surprise when he first came on and was beautifully behaved on stage. Every time Sandy made an appearance, the audience couldn’t help but let out a collective “awwww,”
While the set design of Annie the Musical may not be the most elaborate, the production more than makes up for it with its heartwarming story, infectious songs, and talented cast. If you’re seeking a visual spectacle, you may be left wanting more. However, if you’re looking for a jolly good time, filled with sing-alongs and a show that uplifts the spirit, then Annie is the perfect choice. It is a lyrical and uplifting production that celebrates the power of hope and dreams, offering a timely reminder that even in the darkest of times, tomorrow holds the promise of a new day. So gather your loved ones, immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere, and let Annie whisk you away on a journey of hope and optimism.
You can catch Annie at the Wales Millennium Centre until 8th July.
Booking link: www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2023/annie[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
We give Annie a Leaping Lizards 4.5 stars
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