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Craig Revel-Horwood as a tired and emotional as a newt Miss Hannigan Annie Wolverhampton Grand ***** Before leaving for the theatre I watched
the Labour Party Conference highlights on the news. The signature song
from Annie Tomorrow (sung by Roosevelt’s 1930’s cabinet in the Oval
office!) could easily have been used, thematically demonstrating its
contemporaneous relevance. This musical debuted on Broadway in 1977, written
by Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan. It is based on the
Little Orphan Annie comic strip created by Harold Gray in 1924,(which in
turn was inspired from the poem Little Orphan Annie by James Whitcomb
Riley). There have been numerous film and television adaptations. Dramatically, the show pivots on the character of
orphanage matron Miss Hannigan, for whom Director Nikolai Foster has
chosen a man, Craig Revel Horwood, to perform the role. Originally the
late Paul O Grady had been listed for the part. Although famous for his judging on television’s Strictly Come Dancing, Craig has a distinguished track record in Musical theatre Miss Saigon and Crazy for You) as well as being omnipresent on the Pantomime circuit, he can sing well in addition to being able to dance well. Jodie Prenger takes the part on Saturdays. I had my reservations about his casting
beforehand. They were wholly misplaced. He is brilliant as the booze
loving, children hating matron. There is (thankfully) not a trace of his
television judging persona, nor does he assume the role of a pantomime
dame, he IS Miss Hannigan.
Craig Revel-Horwood as Miss Hannigan, Paul French as Rooster and Billy Kay as Lily The cast is large, and child heavy. Inevitably the child roles rotate, suffice to say they are all excellent, and assiduous dancers. Alex Bourne is imperious as multi–Billionaire
Daddy Warbucks whose stoney capitalist heart is melted by orphan Annie.
Amelia Adams is sassy, and persuasive as Warbuck’s personal assistant
Grace. Paul French enjoys himself as the conniving confidence trickster
Rooster, trying to claim both Annie and a reward by presenting himself
and leggy girlfriend Lily (Billy Kay) as Annie’s parents. The costuming is lush for Warbucks’ scenes, the
stage lavishly set, both courtesy of Colin Richmond with period radio
news broadcasting as a backdrop. On the one hand the story is contrived and
manipulative - who can resist a coterie of young female orphans and a
dog? On the other hand the story is so well told, and acted, that it
becomes irresistible. Director Foster revels in presenting the song and
dance scenes, including tap, all bursting with brio, pizzazz and zip.
Choreographer Nick Winston must have been looking over his shoulder when
Revel Horwood was around! Essentially this is about Annie, a young girl,
and her dreams in a world beset by poverty, homelessness, economic
adversity and her hope for a family and a better life. I loved it. The
standing ovation at the end was richly deserved. Continues until Sat 14th
then on national tour. Gary Longden 10-10-23 |
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