Review: Annie, The Montgomery – Sheffield

Annie started out as a comic strip back in 1924 and became a musical in 1976. It tells the story of an 11 year old orphan who changes the life and heart of Oliver Warbucks, a New York billionaire. 

Ellesmere Musical Theatre Company‘s production has a simple set with skyscraper cut outs to suggest its New York setting. The orphanage, street scenes and Warbucks’ house are all realised very well with very little set dressing. Cast members in character perform set changes which maintains the show’s pace.

The show opens with Annie and her fellow orphans in the orphanage. In this opening night’s performance, the audience saw Team Mush, with Annie confidently played by Lana Green, notably without the usual red curly wig, and all the better for it. Her rendition of ‘Maybe’ was superbly judged and beautifully sung. So many young Annies tend to oversing their solos and can be somewhat strident and shrill, but this Annie has a sweet voice with lovely control and a consistent American accent. She does really well singing the iconic ‘Tomorrow’ beautifully while coping with the always unpredictable reality of having a live dog on stage with her.

The orphans are also hugely impressive. Their choreography, designed by Carolan Copley Tucci, is intricate and witty. These youngsters deliver it with perfect synchronicity and excellent singing too. One of them impressively tumbles the full width of the stage. Their two songs ‘Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Fully Dressed’ are show highlights and their enthusiasm and energy is clear to see. Special mention to tonight’s Kate, played by Sophie Lawton, who was performing front and centre in ‘Hard Knock Life’ and pulled my focus. 

It’s often difficult for the adults in any production of Annie to match the joy and energy of the children, but there are some notable adult performers in this production. Leah Rhodes-Burch gives a larger than life portrayal as the show’s baddie, Miss Hannigan. She has great comic timing, very strong vocals and is clearly having a lot of fun with this over the top character role.

In total contrast, Gina Holmes as Warbucks’ assistant, Grace Farrell exudes warmth and dignity. Her singing is excellent and effortless. As Warbucks, Craig Lawton convinces as a tough businessman who is won over by an 11 year old orphan. There is very believable onstage chemistry between him and Green’s Annie, especially in their duet ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ which they perform with real charm.

Jonathon Bates and Natalie Hides Coward are spot on as wide boy and 1920’s moll, Rooster and Lily. Their trio with Rhodes-Burch, ‘Easy Street’, is exuberant and their harmony work is a delight.

The nine piece live band led by Musical Director Anna Wright keeps the 1930s feel beautifully with rich musicality, especially from the brass section. The sound balance is well judged with dialogue and lyrics clearly heard above the musicians, which can often be an issue in musical theatre.

This is a truly engaging production. It has warmth and heart with superb performances from some very young, but very talented, actors.

Book by: Thomas Meeham
Music by: Charles Strouse
Lyrics by: Martin Charnin
Direction & choreography by: Carolan Copley Tucci
Co-direction & principal choreography by: Kate England
Musical Direction by: Anna Wright
Lighting designed by: TD Lighting
Sound by: PM Productions

Annie plays at The Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield until Saturday 15 March.