This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour saw Annie at the invite of The Alexandra.
By Dave Massey.
Annie at The Alexandra: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐”A fun family night at the theatre”
Directed by Nikolai Foster, music by, Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, Book by Thomas Meehan
After spending most of her life at the orphanage, Annie (Sophia Saravanan at this performance) is selected by Grace (Tanisha-Mae Brown) to stay with Warbucks (Alex Bourne) for two weeks over Christmas.
There are shades of Matilda in the presentation, with the set looking like a jigsaw and the young actors taking the opening numbers. The set slides in and out so swiftly, and the moments of darkness help switch the setting super fast. The costumes are charming and feel much more authentic than the slightly fantasy set.
La Voix is great as Miss Hannigan, running the orphanage and filled with gin, and nearly has the scene-stealing crown taken by Dizzy the Dog as Sandy, but not quite. Sophia Saravanan is so good as Annie, with big vocals and holding the stage all by herself.
A comic strip in 1924, a stage musical since 1977 and adapted for many films, Annie remains an iconic snapshot of a different era. Though the audience, filled with plenty of younger people, might not spot all the references to the time. For many young people, this is a great first experience, though they might be a bit unsure of the full reasons behind the story itself.
I really loved the songs, and there are some great ones to look out for. It’s the Hard Knock Life, Maybe, You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, and Tomorrow are all excellent, whilst La Voix gets their moment with Little Girls. The choreography is also stunning to see too, and there are several group numbers which stand out.
A fun family night at the theatre, Annie is at The Alexandra until 6th June 2026. Book tickets here: atgtickets.com/shows/annie/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham.
