Last night I took one of my eleven year old daughters to watch Annie the Musical at the Liverpool Empire. Outside the theatre was a buzz with little girls and the excitement was palpable. Craig Revel Horwood starring as Miss Hannigan is a BIG plus and everyone was very excited.
Izzy said: My favourite part was definitely a hard knock life because all the children were amazing singers and when their voices projected over the theatre, it sounded amazing! Would definitely recommend to anyone. 11/10 loved it!
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What is Annie the Musical about?
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
With its Tony® Award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Our Review of Annie the Musical
The set had a similar feel to that of Matilda with jigsaw cut outs and key words- the ‘orphans’ took to the stage and settled down to sleep just as the performance began and we were transported direct to New York City Orphanage for the brilliant opener; Maybe.
Whenever I do things with my girls half of my pleasure is derived from watching through their eyes and, though I wasn’t able to take pictures during the performance I will always remember watching Izzy watching the performance in awe.
When 9 year old Zoe Akinyosade belted out Tomorrow as the fourth song in the show all on her own on the stage with such brilliance, I knew we were in for a good night. She was exceptional.
Craig Revel Horwood might have been the initial attraction he was more than matched by the ensemble. At times I found the New York drawl laid on a little heavy but I loved the way that the cast’s enthusiasm and passion for every song and dance set piece shone through. Daddy Warbucks was my absolute fave and, based on the programme I can see why. This is Alex Bournes fourth spell in Annie. Clearly I’m not the only one who feels he is a natural billionaire father figure!
The feel of the production stayed true to the original film with the positive messages of ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.’ And, when Annie finds her forever family with Daddy Warbucks and Grace it felt like the whole audience was beaming.
Starting at 7.30 and running until 10pm, a week night show might not be the best idea if your littlies are used to being tucked up in bed by that time but; in our view-it was well worth the late night and the slightly sleepy morning for a magical evenings entertainment. There was a standing ovation at the end and no-one wanted the enjoyment of the evening to end.
Order of Songs in Annie the Musical
Act One
- “Maybe” – Annie
- “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” – Annie andThe Orphans
- “It’s the Hard-Knock Life (Reprise)” – The Orphans
- “Tomorrow” – Annie
- “We’d Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover” – Sophie, The Hooverville-ites
- “Little Girls” – Miss Hannigan
- “Little Girls (Reprise)” – Miss Hannigan
- “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here” – Grace, Annie, Drake, Cecille, Annette, Mrs. Pugh, Other Servants
- “N.Y.C.” – Warbucks, Grace, Annie, A Star To Be and New Yorkers
- “Easy Street” – Miss Hannigan, Rooster, Lily
- “You Won’t Be an Orphan For Long” – Grace, Drake, Mrs. Pugh, Cecille, Annette, Servants and Warbucks
Act Two
- “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” – Bert Healy, Connie Boylan, Ronnie Boylan, Bonnie Boylan and “The Hour of Smiles” Family
- “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile (Reprise)” – The Orphans
- “Easy Street (Reprise)” – Miss Hannigan, Rooster, Lily
- “Tomorrow (Cabinet Reprise)” – Annie, FDR, Warbucks and the Cabinet
- “Something Was Missing” – Warbucks
- “I Don’t Need Anything But You” – Grace, Servants, Warbucks and Annie
- “Maybe (Reprise)” – Annie
- “A New Deal for Christmas” – Annie, Warbucks, Grace, FDR and The Staff
Annie is on at The Liverpool Empire until Saturday 10th June and tickets are still available on line or by calling 0844 871 3017.
You can buy tickets here.
Please note I was gifted these tickets in return for an honest review. See more theatre reviews here.
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Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.