(AD – PRESS NIGHT) ANNIE THE MUSICAL HULL REVIEW
HULL NEW THEATRE
MONDAY 23RD OCTOBER @ 7.30PM
***** 5/5
If there’s ever a musical to make you feel nostalgic for childhood, it has to be Annie. For me, I watched it weekly growing up (probably why my dad hates it so much) and it’s been so long since I’ve watched it too. It’s also been years since I’ve seen it on stage. Here’s a look at my Annie the Musical Hull review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
If there’s one show that I’ve been an expert in for years, it’s Annie. I’ve been in various variety performances and sang the songs from the show more than I can count. In fact, I think I did two paid concerts as a kid where I was the lead soloist for Annie songs.
Having been some time since I’d seen it, I could vaguely remember the storyline and the songs but that is it. I was just glad to see a more diverse cast than I’ve seen in previous productions.
THE CAST
If there’s one thing about a child cast, you know that they’re the creme de la creme. We have to start with Annie, played by Zoe Akinyosade. To say she has a great stage presence is an understatement. She has such a gorgeous tone to her voice and plays Annie as vulnerable and sweet yet mature and feisty.
The six children who make up the orphans are also stellar. Suki Hillier (Molly), Georgie Fisher (Tessie), Jasmine O’Riordan (Kate), Chanai Owusu-Ansah (Pepper), Gabriella Harris-Sullivan (July), and Kyla Semper (Duffy) all complement each other. Each of them are triple threats but also looks like they’re having the time of their lives on stage. A huge well done to the casting team because these kids are spectacular.
Moving onto the adult cast, Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan is inspired casting. He plays a drunken woman spectacularly and his rendition of Little Girls is perfection. Along with Paul French as Rooster and Billie-Kay as Lily, they play a very convincing trio of baddies.
Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks goes from stern and cold to warm and lively. I particularly loved his scenes with Akinyosade, they had such a real connection, especially when dancing! Amelia Adams as Grace Farrell is a delight and has such elegance and grace at all times. I just wish she had more songs because her voice was beautiful.
The entire adult ensemble were magnificent from start to finish and a special mention has to go to Amber the dog playing Sandy, who arguably got the biggest cheers of the night.
THE PRODUCTION
Before the show starts, you get to see the set that remains in place throughout. It turns from an orphanage to the streets of New York to a billionaire’s mansion rapidly. The backdrop of jigsaw pieces are a great nod to the childish nature of the show yet changes frequently in colour with every scene change.
As always, I’m always intrigued by the choreography and choreographer Nick Winston did not let me down. Both the children and adult ensembles fill the stage whenever they’re on, mixing traditional musical theatre jazz with tap, ballet, and ballroom in places.
The orchestra were particularly vibrant and a little too loud in places. It was a bit of a struggle to hear the vocals over them at several points, especially when the children were singing. However, they’re still incredible and I’d actually forgotten just how many songs there were in the show!
The costuming is another highlight, transitioning between rags to staff uniforms and everything in between. It really does add to the vibrancy of the show along with the performances of course!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Other than the sound issues, Annie is a professionally slick performance. I detest people who say that touring productions are second-rate because this is a cast and show worthy of the West End. Everything is thought through, from the lighting to the props, the costumes to the choreography. The cast are some of the most talented that I’ve ever seen, both children and adults, and they really bring the entire show to life. In fact, I’m hoping it tours into 2024 because I want to see it again!
If you enjoyed this Annie the Musical Hull review, you can find my other theatre reviews here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram where I share my stagey trips every time!
