Annie (Tour - Blackpool)

Venue: The Grand
Where: Blackpool

This was my first time seeing Annie as the stage show so the only expectations I had were from the film. There are great elements in place here as, firstly the costumes and set design are very strong and really give the correct illusion.

Sadly though, the ensemble were are not a strong point, as they are very lacklustre - giving you the feeling that they don't want to be there, as a whole they were quite distracting rather than framing the main action. They, unfortunately seem out of time with each other during dance routines.

The orphans are great, as they work very well together with a sense of care towards each other. As for the title role - Annie is played by Lauren Arnison in an old school way which suits the piece and her confidence is infectious. Her vocals are very shouty though rather than the purity sound of some of the orphans.

Su Pollard's Miss Hannigan is very funny as there is the right amount of slapstick here and she gives the piece some backbone and makes many in the audience laugh. But there is no getting away from the fact that she is simply just 'Su Pollard' doing her thing rather than inhabiting the role.

As a show, Annie displays strong vocals and a tight cast when they are on stage together, as this is the tightest aspect.

- Debbie Parkinson