Last night, I headed into Manchester to the Opera House with my goddaughters to not only review the Annie UK Tour but also watch a much-loved movie favourite transformed for the stage. It’s always a risk when watching an adaptation of a movie you adore. Especially the likes of Annie which has held the test of time and appealed to new generations.
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Review Annie UK Tour Manchester
A Little About Annie
Little Orphan Annie is a fictional character who originated in a popular American comic strip created by cartoonist Harold Gray. The comic strip, often called Annie, debuted on August 5, 1924, and ran for many years.
The comic strip inspired various adaptations, including radio programs, stage musicals, animated TV series, and films. A famous adaptation is the 1977 Broadway musical Annie. This was based on Harold Gray’s comic strip and became the basis for the 1982 film Annie. Starring Aileen Quinn as Annie, Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks, Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan
This was remade in 2014 with Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie, Jamie Foxx as Will Stacks (a modernized version of Daddy Warbucks), and Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan.
What is the Show About
Annie is a heartwarming story that revolves around the adventures of a young orphan girl. Set during the Great Depression in New York City. Following Annie as she navigates life in an orphanage run by the tyrannical and alcoholic Miss Hannigan.
One day, Annie’s life takes a dramatic turn when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the mansion of the wealthy industrialist Oliver Warbucks.
This opportunity arises from a campaign to improve Warbucks’ image. Annie and her dog Sandy settle in to live in Warbucks, and he asks to adopt her. However, as much as Annie loves her new situation, her life wish is to find her real parents, which Warbucks endeavours to do.
My Review
Simply adorable, I initially thought Annie (Sharangi Gnanavarathan) was a little tall to play Annie, but as soon as she started to sing, she earned her part. She was the perfect Annie, believable, talented and cute. As were the whole child cast, such talent. You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile was my favourite moment. These kids have talent in bundles.
They couldn’t have cast a better Daddy Warbucks; Alex Bourne was fabulous and a dream combination with Amelia Adams as Grace. Craig Revel-Horwood was fabulous, playing the perfect Miss Hannigan.
As a lover of both movies, the show is a triumph. It has the perfect balance of nostalgia but also improvements to the plot. Annie feels like a warm hug, a nod to the past and much-loved memories, but also engaging to a new audience. I smiled from ear to ear the whole way through.
Where Can I See Annie?
Annie is playing at the Opera House Manchester until the 30th of September with tickets from £13.00. See here for parking advice to get theatre parking rates.
You can then see it at
- Sunderland Empire, Mon 2 Oct – Sat 7 Oct 2023
- New Wimbledon Theatre, Tue 7 Nov – Sat 11 Nov 2023
- Bristol Hippodrome, Mon 20 Nov – Sat 25 Nov 2023
Please note I was gifted the tickets in return for an honest review.
