One of stage and screens most iconic redheads comes to the Empire this week, bringing an energetic and heart-warming story that man will be bound to love.
Set in a 1933 New York which is being gripped by depression, ‘Annie’ is an uplifting tale of an 11-year-old orphan’s quest to find her parents, but ends up finding love in a totally different place.
Even though the story was based on one small stage, it was easy to become lost in the plot as the sets changed seamlessly from bleak orphanage, to dank New York streets and even to Oliver Warbuck’s sleek 5th Avenue mansion.
All the best loved characters, from evil Miss Hannigan to President Roosevelt, delighted the audience with the performance, allowing a great representation of the 1977 musical by the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust.
However, the show was stolen by ‘Annie’ herself, 13-year-old Annabel Connell-Welsh from Wigan, who for such a young age dazzled the crowd with her amazing singing voice.
The play’s most classic and adored songs, ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’, gained masses of applause as all the cast joined in with each number. From young to old, all the performers shone through with their spectacular vocals.
The evening ended with the whole crowd in high spirits, with everyone receiving their much deserved standing ovations, and even Sandy the dog was given a warm reception.
With amazing energy from start to finish, ‘Annie’ runs at the Empire until November 30th.