*****
Nearly fifty years after it first opened on Broadway, and set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Annie could easily feel like a relic of another age. Instead, the current production at the Wales Millennium Centre is vibrant, joyful and, in unexpected ways, surprisingly relevant. Packed with instantly recognisable songs and a story that has entertained generations, expectations are inevitably high. Happily, this production not only meets them but surpasses them.
At first glance, Annie can feel dated. The idea that a wealthy, middle-aged billionaire could simply “borrow” an orphan for Christmas understandably raises eyebrows today, while references to Hoovervilles and the New Deal may seem far removed from modern audiences. Yet judging by the enthusiastic response from younger theatre-goers, none of this diminished their enjoyment. The pace, humour and infectious energy of the production ensure that the story remains as engaging as ever.
And beneath the optimism and familiar songs lies a story that invites reflection. Set in 1933, with the effects of the 1929 Wall Street Crash still devastating American society, and the promises of the New Deal yet to be realised, Annie presents a world of unemployment, homelessness, and families struggling simply to survive. It would be easy to dismiss those circumstances as the hardships of another age. Yet, nearly a century later, many families are once again grappling with rising living costs, while unprecedented concentrations of wealth sit alongside growing economic insecurity. With advances in artificial intelligence prompting fresh questions about the future of work, the backdrop to Annie feels less like history than we might care to admit. The musical never labours these parallels, but this production leaves plenty of space for the audience to draw them.
The standout performance came from Sophia Saravanan in the title role. Bringing boundless energy, warmth and confidence to Annie, she made the character entirely her own while delivering the show’s famous songs with impressive vocal maturity. It is a performance full of charisma and natural stage presence, and one that suggests an exciting future ahead. The role is shared by actresses including Victoria Alsina (pictured).
The young supporting cast deserve enormous credit too. Rather than blending into the background, each child brought a distinct personality to their role, creating a believable sense of camaraderie within Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Their rendition of “It’s the Hard Knock Life” was one of the evening’s highlights, earning one of the biggest audience reactions through its infectious choreography and youthful enthusiasm.
Claire Sweeney delivered a convincing performance as the cruel, self-serving Miss Hannigan, capturing the character’s bitterness without overplaying it. Alex Bourne brought warmth and quiet authority to Daddy Warbucks, making his gradual transformation into Annie’s father figure entirely convincing. Christian Cooper and Amber Kennedy were outstanding as Rooster and Lily, capturing the pair’s sleazy opportunism and underlying menace without slipping into caricature. Their performances were thoroughly convincing, and it was almost a disappointment that the story gives them so little stage time.
The production values throughout were excellent. Seamless set changes transported the audience effortlessly from the orphanage dormitory and sewing room to the grandeur of Warbucks’ mansion and the bustling streets of New York. The ensemble dance numbers were lively, polished and full of character, while the live orchestra gave the score all the richness and emotional power it deserves. Numbers such as “N.Y.C.” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life” brought the auditorium to life, reminding everyone why these songs have become musical theatre classics.
When a musical is as famous as Annie, comparisons with previous productions are inevitable. This production embraces that challenge with confidence, delivering a show that is funny, moving and beautifully performed from start to finish. It reminds us that while the world of Annie may be set almost a century in the past, its themes remain surprisingly close to home. A thoroughly deserved five-star production.
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