Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan with the young company of Annie, now playing at His Majesty's Theatre. Image - Paul Coltas
Annie is the comfort food of the musical theatre world.
It’s your go-to when you want something familiar, warm and comforting that will leave you more than satisfied afterwards.
But like all favourite dishes there are always variations on a theme, ways of lifting it up a few notches to something exceptional.
And the touring version of Annie now playing at His Majesty’s Theatre certainly does that.
Put it this way, I was sitting watching full-blown song and dance numbers, a riot of colour, music and choreography that were at Busby Berkely levels on a jaw-dropping set of West End class.
The NYC number – a celebration of New York that went from elegant city streets to a Broadway show to a Central Park carriage ride over the course of one exuberant song – was sublime.
When did Annie get this spectacular?
Annie brings Busby Berkley spectacle to the stage of His Majesty's Theatre. Image - Paul Coltas
If you have never seen Annie before – and there were many youngsters in the audience who clearly hadn’t – it’s a stunning introduction to the timeless show.
And if you have – my fourth or fifth time, I’ve lost count – it’s a reminder of why the story of Little Orphan Annie and her happy-ever-after ending in the depths of the Great Depression in 1930s America is still one of the most-loved and most-staged musicals on the planet.
Of course, it helps that is has a catalogue of earworm classics – It’s The Hard Knock Life, Little Girls, Easy Street, and, of course, the anthem to hope and optimism that is Tomorrow. All were delivered with gusto and grace by the ensemble cast at HMT on opening night.
The characters are all iconic, too.
Tyrannical orphanage owner Miss Hannigan, the darkly comic villain of the piece, was essayed nicely by Claire Sweeney, leaning hard into the comedic side of the harridan. She was in great voice and her dance moves were glorious. I even thought: “When did Miss Hannigan get glamourous?”
Sassy stuff for Easy Street with Amber Kennedy, Claire Sweeney, and Christian Cooper at His Majesty's Theatre. Image - Paul Coltas
Alex Bourne brought almost instant warmth to the imposing Daddy Warbucks, the billionaire who decides to give an orphan a Christmas treat, then finds Annie brings more to his life than his money ever can. His chemistry with young June Young, who played Annie on the opening night at HMT, was a joy.
As was June’s performance. Fiesty, moving, funny and with a fantastic voice that hit all the demanding high notes of a demanding role. A grand little Annie, indeed.
She was more than matched by her fellow orphans who rocked through their ensemble numbers, earning deserved cheers and applause from the audience.
Special mention goes to one performer who all but stole the show. Dizzy the dog as Sandy the stray, was greeted with “awws” and cheers every time he scampered on – or across – the stage.
Annie is an uplifting joy at His Majesty's Theatre. Image - Paul Coltas
This production deserves kudos for its high-quality values, especially the set going from grimy orphanage to art deco luxury mansion, but always with something to catch the eye and delight the senses.
See also Nick Winston’s inspired choreography that lifted every number, be it Astaire-esque slick moves or Fosse-style blues.
Adding to that were the costumes that made elegant 30s fashion look stunning – and even had the raggedy orphans and threadbare homeless folk look eye-catching.
All in all, this Annie is simply a lavish, uplifting joy. So go and enjoy it – bet your bottom dollar it will put a smile on your face.
Annie is at His Majesty’s Theatre until Sunday, November 8.
For more information and to book your tickets, visit Aberdeen Performing Arts.