Annie - New Wimbledon Theatre

When I started taking classes in musical theatre some years ago, I was told repeatedly that the world's best belters were young kids. Their natural ability to lay their souls bare on stage without a single worry about what the person in row H could be thinking is the greatest of gifts, something that is lost much too quickly as we grow up. These kids are simply grateful to be singing and dancing on stage, and it really shows.

In comes Annie, a story everyone around the world knows. The songs are synonymous with optimism as we are promised that the sun will come out tomorrow. For those who have never heard the story before, Annie is the tale of an orphan abandoned as an infant at the doorstep of the horrible Miss Hannigan with nothing but a promise to come find her and half a silver locket. Fast forward 11 years, and Annie is still at the orphanage, yearning for the moment when her prayer for a real family will be just a distant memory. In a stroke of luck, she is temporarily fostered by New York's most famous billionaire, and her life changes in a way she never would have dreamed it would.

Photography: Paul Coltas

This production takes that classic story and turns it into something joyful. Gone are the moments of nail-biting tension from the 1980s movie. Now, usually, this would be an issue. A mellow story often veers into the unnecessary and the cringe. However, this production is nothing but brilliant, and perfect for all the family. Though we do not fear for Annie as we seem to in the past screen adaptations, we do root for her to find the family that she deserves. Funny how this desperate cheerleading never fades, even after having seen the story a million times!

Starting its tour at the New Wimbledon Theatre, Annie is set to tour the UK for several months, delighting audiences across the country. The casting for this show is on par with the inevitable expectations of audiences who will most likely arrive with comparisons at the ready.

Photography: Paul Coltas

This evening, this reviewer saw Victoria Alsina in the role of Annie, one of three girls alternating in the role, and La Voix as Miss Hannigan. From the moment Victoria stepped onto the stage, she commanded it with such poise and power that she never wavered. Each note and line was delivered with precision. Even at the one brief moment when she felt she might lose control on those big notes, Victoria handled it with such professionalism that it never showed for an instant. The same can be said for the group of kids who accompanied her. With a total of seven kids on stage, the energy was incredibly infectious. The only time I have seen that much energy was in the ensemble of Evita last summer. The adult ensemble was truly remarkable, with Sophie Elmes standing out as a highlight in her role as the Star to Be.

The set design by Colin Richmond is a stunning visual achievement, with childlike shapes finding their way into every set piece, that makes you forget the show is on tour and cannot physically have a set as massive as a permanent production. The only sour note, pardon the pun, was some technical difficulties with the microphones, which were either too quiet or not switched on in time. This is live theatre, and some things are bound to go wrong, particularly with a touring show that moves so often. It was not a dealbreaker, but it is something that will need to be sorted before it becomes one.

This is a revival worthy of the name, and well worth the wait. Those kids, this story, this cast: they all have very bright futures ahead of them.

Production Value: 85%

Value For Money: 90%

Personal Enjoyment: 95%

Overall Score: 90% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: New Wimbledon Theatre, London

Playing Until: 30th May 2026 - before moving on to another venue

Run Time: Approximately 2h10 - with an interval of 20 minutes

Tickets can be purchased from this link.