Annie (tour)

Annie is one of those shows that you either love or loathe. The tale of the cute red haired moppet and her quest to find her parents has a winning formula as it appeals to people of all ages. It’s a shame then that this new touring production fails to engage this wide age group at all times. The cast are all game and the songs remain memorable but something is missing.

The pacing is not as tight as it could be which affects younger members of the audience who started talking and fidgeting on the night I attended. David Kort‘s choreography also seems lacklustre, resulting in many of the younger cast members clearly not knowing where to stand. On the plus side Stacey Hunt is a feisty and heart-warming Annie, although her wig seems more suited to an episode of Cagney and Lacey, which provides some unintentional comedy value.

“Tomorrow” is delivered with real heart and young Hunt certainly embraces the material at times when the pace almost stalls to a halt. Ruth Madoc also brings a mischievous sense of fun to the role of the old lush, Miss Hannigan. Her rendition of “Little Girls” is filled with wicked wit. David McAlister and Louise English provide the slickness that the piece lacks overall in the roles of Daddy Warbucks and his bride to be, Grace.

Of the group numbers “NYC” sticks in the memory as the cast are superbly synchronised here. This is a rarity though as many of the ensemble act as if they are starring in different productions. This sums up the problems really as many of the scenes seem unconnected and dare I say under-rehearsed. Also the sound levels fluctuate meaning that some cast members appear to shriek, whilst others whisper. I am sure the production will improve as the tour goes on but this is hardly fair on audience members who pay for a ticket early on in the run.

When Miss Hannigan says: “Did I hear happiness in here?” You may be inclined to shout back: “Kind Of.” This is an adequate production that needs some judicious cutting in order to keep children from wandering up and down the aisles. As it is at the moment you will not remember it “Tomorrow.”

– Glenn Meads (reviewed at the Lowry)