"Annie" takes you with her on a colourful journey, through highs and lows, meeting friends and foes along the way, in a feast of vibrant songs, dance and costume. On the opening night a charming, captivating and confident Emma Hopkins sang out as Annie, that although "it's a hard knock life" for her and her fellow orphans, "the sun will come out tomorrow". Sue Pollard is in top form as the flamboyant, feisty, comical, but intoxicated Miss Hannigan, staggering to contain the orphans in her care, who constantly keep her on her toes. The orphans (pupils of Cecilia Hall Dance Centre) are hard to distinguish from the touring cast and had only rehearsed with them for the first time earlier that day. The pupils excel as they sing and dance to the popular tunes, and play up to the frequently scolding and scheming Miss Hannigan. Seven year old Hannah Chester shines as the confident, challenging but very entertaining Molly, Annie's closest friend at the orphanage. Life changes dramatically for Annie as she leaves the orphanage to spend two weeks with the billionaire, Mr. Warbucks, (played strongly but sensitively by James Smillie) who is known and loved by his staff, peers and even The President. As Annie begins to fill his life with joy and new meaning, the audience warm to his secretary, the endearing and caring Grace Farrell (Louise English).  | | Annie with Sandy |
The conniving, colourful, but comical villains Rooster Hannigan (Matthew Hewitt) and Lily St. Regis (Melody Jones) make the show complete, alongside Annie's newly found four legged friend, Sandy (alias Danny), who befriends Annie along the way. A feast of colour, vitality and life from start to finish, Annie is a treat for the whole family, guaranteed to fly by faster than you expect, but leaving you with a memory of a lively, uplifting and entertaining night out! Review by Elizabeth Durnell from Stourport. | 
