Review! Annie UK Tour at New Wimbledon Theatre, May 2025

Orphans, optimism and oversized red curls: Annie is back on tour once again.

Reviving a musical as beloved as Annie is no easy task. Packed with iconic songs, nostalgia and one of theatre’s most recognisable heroines, the latest UK tour has a lot to live up to — but thankfully, this revival still has plenty of sunshine left in it.

The classic story of Annie is set in 1933 and follows the spirited young orphan living under the less-than-loving supervision of Miss Hannigan. When billionaire Oliver Warbucks invites Annie to stay with him over the Christmas season, her life begins to change in ways she could never have imagined. This was my second time seeing Annie on tour, having previously seen the production in 2023. From the opening moments, the production leans heavily into nostalgia — and it works beautifully. From the moment I sat, I was transported back to the charming set, designed to resemble a children’s dormitory. I particularly appreciated the gentle opening to Act One, as the children settled into bed before the lights slowly faded.

With set design by Colin Richmond, the production transported audiences to New York through subtle map scenery, while props and set pieces glided effortlessly across the stage. I particularly enjoyed the costume design by Rachael Gaunt, which clearly highlighted the stark contrast between wealth and poverty during the 1930s. At the same time, the production remained faithful to the iconic visual elements audiences associate with previous stage and screen versions, most notably Annie’s signature red coat 

The musical numbers inject the production with infectious momentum throughout. The choreography by Nick Winston was polished and energetic, particularly during upbeat numbers such as It's the Hard-Knock Life. The young cast performed with remarkable precision and confidence, making each routine appear effortless as they moved perfectly in sync. As someone who works with children, I can appreciate the level of discipline and cooperation required to achieve this, which is a real testament to the professionalism and dedication of the young performers.

There were a few brief microphone issues during the performance, with occasional moments where dialogue or vocals became slightly unclear. However, these minor technical difficulties were fleeting and did little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the production, which maintained its warmth, energy and charm throughout.

Speaking of the cast, the production showcased an exceptional array of talent. Victoria Alsina was a delight in the title role; despite her young age, she performed with remarkable confidence and stage presence, proving she is already an accomplished performer. Tanisha-Mae Brown’s portrayal of Grace Farrell brought to mind the warm and compassionate interpretation from the 1999 film adaptation, and her beautiful vocals only added to the charm of the character.

Christian Cooper and Amber Kennedy were wonderfully entertaining as Rooster and Lily. Their chemistry together was electric, and the way they were introduced before formally appearing on stage built anticipation brilliantly — especially for my personal favourite number, “Easy Street.”

Alex Bourne once again impressed as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. Having previously seen him in the role in 2023, I was eager to revisit his performance, and he did not disappoint. His familiarity with the character was evident throughout, delivering a polished performance while convincingly charting Warbucks’ transformation from hardened businessman to devoted father figure.

However, the evening’s biggest scene-stealer arrives armed with a gin bottle and a wicked sense of humour. The unforgettable Miss Hannigan, played by the formidable La Voix. This casting alone had me eagerly anticipating the revival, and judging by the applause that erupted as Hannigan staggered on stage, I certainly was not alone. With impeccable comic timing, expressive physicality, animated facial expressions and a powerhouse voice, La Voix was sensational in a role she seemed born to play. Despite Hannigan’s villainous nature, her performance was so entertaining that it was impossible not to feel some affection for the character.

A special mention must also go to Cockerpoo Dizzy in the role of Sandy. Few things win over an audience quite like a dog, and Dizzy proved to be the perfect professional throughout, delivering a flawless performance with no on-stage mishaps.

Overall, this touring revival of Annie is filled with nostalgic charm, making it easy to understand why audiences return to it time and time again, often introducing it to the next generation of their families. I think many people hold their own special memories of Annie, and it is that sense of familiarity and warmth that continues to make the musical so enduring, leaving audiences smiling throughout.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Currently playing at New Wimbledon until 30 May, Annie continues its UK tour through 2026, with Birmingham Alexandra as its next stop.

https://www.anniethemusicaltour.uk/#tour-dates