Last night, I headed into Manchester to see the Annie UK Tour 2026 at the Palace Theatre, and to watch one of my all-time favourite movie musicals come to life on stage once again.
I first saw this production three years ago and remember thinking it was fantastic. But somehow, this year’s tour feels even more vibrant, slick, and fast-paced, despite being remarkably similar in structure and staging. I’m still not entirely sure how that’s possible, but the whole show seemed to sparkle with fresh energy from the moment the curtain rose.
There’s always a risk when revisiting a beloved adaptation. Annie is one of those rare musicals that has stood the test of time, continuing to charm new generations while remaining deeply nostalgic for audiences who grew up with the film. When a story is this familiar, expectations are high, and comparisons are inevitable.
What You Will Find Here
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 modernised 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 with 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 of Annie
Simply sensational, Victoria Alsina was the perfect Annie, believable, talented and cute. As were the whole child cast, they oozed cute factor. 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 the stunningly elegant Tanisha-Mae Brown as Grace. La Voix was born to play Miss Hannigan; she was fabulous, playing the part to perfection, and her performance was sublime. The whole cast shone, it was wonderful, sparkly and feel-good.
As a lover of both movies, the show is a glittering triumph. It has the perfect balance of nostalgia. Plus 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 Palace Theatre, Manchester, until the 20th June with tickets from £15.60. See here for parking advice to get theatre parking rates.
You can then see it at
- Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 21 Jul – Sun 26 Jul 2026
- Bristol Hippodrome, Tue 18 Aug – Sun 23 Aug 2026
- Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 15 Sep – Sun 20 Sep 2026
- Liverpool Empire, Tue 22 Sep – Sat 26 Sep 2026
- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tue 13 Oct – Sun 18 Oct 2026
- Woking Theatre, Mon 16 Nov – Sat 21 Nov 2026
- New Theatre Oxford, Tue 15 Dec 2026 – Sat 2 Jan 2027
- Sunderland Empire, Mon 18 Jan – Sat 23 Jan 2027
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 2 Mar – Sun 7 Mar 2027
Please note I was gifted the tickets, but under no obligation to review.
