Seren Howells heads to Wales Millennium Centre to catch up with family favourite Annie the Musical featuring Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan.
The hit musical, Annie has returned to Wales Millennium Centre. While it might be easy to keep your eye on a familiar TV personality stepping into the role of iconic baddie Miss Hannigan, that is only one of the shows many highlights.
Set in 1930s, New York during The Great Depression, little Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. However, her fortunes change when she is selected to spend Christmas with the famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Annoyed by Annie’s good fortune, Miss Hannigan plots with her ex-con brother, Rooster to spoil Annie’s search for her true family.
While the lighting design works magically with the minimalistic set to keep the audience focused on the historical setting, the ensemble combine their talents by pulling off many different roles and ensuring the story and familiar songs we know and love flow well.
Fabulous choreography elevates the musical, keeping the audience entertained. This is particularly prominent from the children who simply dazzle as the orphans, stealing every second with presence and pulling off difficult choreography for their ages.
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023. 
A scene from the UK tour of Annie playing Wales Millennium Centre on 3 – 8 July 2023.
Strictly judge, Craig Revel Horwood works well in the role of Miss Hannigan, particularly creating a believable love/ hate relationship with the orphans. It is Paul French who steals the show as Miss Hannigan’s slimy brother, Rooster as he builds a strong dynamic with Billie Kay as his girlfriend, Lily.
Alex Bourne’s gives a wholesome and loving portrayal of Daddy Warbucks, the millionaire who not only displays a real warmth for Annie but also his staff. Amelia Adams commands attention as Warbucks PA Grace Farrel and helps drive the narrative through with her presence.
Zoe Akinyosade as Annie is incredibly talented, showcasing both a beautiful voice and great dance skills. She plays the lead with such conviction you really grow to love her throughout the show.
Don’t wait until Tomorrow to book your seat! Annie the Musical runs at Wales Millennium Centre until July 8th.