Annie - Milton Keynes Theatre

“Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there’ll be sun.” Annie arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre bringing exactly that: a bright beam of optimism wrapped in a high‑quality, heartfelt production.

Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, the musical follows Annie, an ever‑hopeful orphan convinced her parents will one day return for her. Life at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage is bleak — Miss Hannigan herself is bitter, resentful, and convinced the world has done her wrong. Annie repeatedly tries to run away, but fate intervenes when Grace, assistant to billionaire Oliver Warbucks, arrives looking for an orphan to stay with him over Christmas. Annie volunteers, and despite Miss Hannigan’s protests, she’s chosen. What follows is a whirlwind shift from hardship to luxury, though Annie’s determination to find her real parents remains at the heart of the story.

Miss Hannigan is a drunken, unhappy and lonely woman. Played by Claire Sweeney, she is quality. Her acting is sublime and she can absolutely sing and dance.  I knew we were in safe hands with Claire in this role but she really is outstanding.  She is worth the ticket price alone!

Tonight’s Annie was played by Sophia Saravanan and she was exceptional. Her voice was so ‘Annie’. It’s a lot for a child to be in almost every scene but Sophia sells the role with conviction. She has the accent, commands the stage and delivers Annie perfectly.

Grace is played by Tanisha-Mae Brown and she is great in the role, with a stunning voice to match. She is a strong, professional and very organised woman – everything you would expect working for a billionaire. Mr Warbanks is played by Alex Bourne who is no stranger to this role. He has a wonderful voice, giving warmth and character to Mr Warbanks so that we would want him to adopt us; not just because he is a billionaire but because he is kind too.

Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan's brother, Rooster (Christian Cooper), has returned and he introduces her to his new girlfriend called Lily (Amber Kennedy). They are dodgy at best and ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ characters at worst. They feel they can blag the reward for pretending to be Annie’s parents with Miss Hannigan’s help.  Easy Street is one of my favourite numbers in the show as they dance around Miss Hannigan’s office.

The production delivers all the beloved classics — It’s a Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow, Easy Street — supported by a fantastic orchestra and a cast that gives every number full commitment. The tap sequences are a particular joy; who doesn’t love a bit of tap?

Maybe its time to confess - Annie is not my favourite musical and although that hasn’t changed, this production and cast are truly fabulous. The whole show is of such a high quality that you will be in awe of each scene. If you want the sun to come out tomorrow, head to Milton Keynes Theatre and let Annie brighten your day.

Annie is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 26 July.