Review: Annie The Musical at The Lyceum, Sheffield
Posted by: Sam Pegg
The smash-hit West End production of Annie comes to the Lyceum for one week only and here’s what we thought to the show
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Starring Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood (Tuesday to Friday performances) and Jodie Prenger (Saturday performances) as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan!
The show was absolutely spectacular from impeccable staging, fun costumes and faultless acting. You’re never fully dressed without a smile and boy do they make sure you leave with yours!
Whilst people are finding their seats, the staging is set up ready for the show with beds and the old fashioned radio playing in the background. 5 minutes before the show starts the orphans come out to resume their places in a pre-show act that makes you super excited for what is to come, and we get a unique glimpse into them playing and chatting together.
The show formally begins with a loud scream, and from that moment on you’re hooked into the life of Annie. We were graced by Harlie Barthram performing the role of Annie, and she fit the role so perfectly. The acting skills of all the young girls was highly commendable, they did an amazing job in all aspects. Chloe Angiama exquisitely performed the role of Mollie and the children’s ensemble, Team Empire State, was perfectly chosen and they had such a fierce and passionate presence within the show. Not to forget Sandy, an extremely cute dog who was so well trained and was certainly a star in the show - and one the audience thoroughly enjoyed seeing.
We watch as the orphans do their chores and housework whilst Miss Hannigan drinks her sorrows away and commands the girls to put a halt on any sort of enjoyment. The sneaky cupboard of gin, the master plan with her brother Rooster and Lily, the grubby clothing and of course, the very poor flirting - what a joy and laugh it was to see Craig Revel Horwood play Miss Hannigan, he did a faultless job at playing the role.
The singing was phenomenal throughout and the voices of all those who sang were sensational. It was a good old fashioned musical with laughter, dancing and the feeling of wanting to get up there and join in yourself.
The set changes were seamless and the staging had a recurring jigsaw puzzle theme throughout - maybe there to signify Annie solving the puzzle of what happened to her parents 11 years ago.
We watch as millionaire… no, billionaire, Oliver Warbucks and the team at the Warbucks residence including Grace Farrell grows increasingly attached to Annie. It was wholesome and special to watch with a fulfilling ending.
We’d HIGHLY recommend booking in to see the show, you certainly won’t be disappointed! It’s 5 stars from us
Please Note: the appearance of any member of the cast is subject to change and may be affected by contracts, holiday, illness, or events beyond the producers' control.
Annie comes to the Lyceum Theatre from Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 October. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000, or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
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