Review: Annie at The Alexandra, Birmingham

Some musicals are simply timeless, and Annie is one of them.

My daughter and I went to see the latest touring production at the The Alexandra in Birmingham, and it was every bit as heartwarming and entertaining as I hoped it would be.

As someone who loves musical theatre, I’m always extra impressed by any production that includes a talented children’s cast (and a live animal on stage!). From the opening scenes right through to the finale, every performer gave their all and the whole production felt polished, energetic and full of heart.

Of course, one of the standout moments was It’s The Hard Knock Life. I suspect that’s the favourite scene for many audience members, and my daughter Lily (aged 9) was no exception. The choreography, the energy and that instantly recognisable song had the audience captivated.

Another of Lily’s favourite bits of the show was Sandy the dog. She loved watching him run about, and her favourite moment was when he stood tall and proud, looking directly out towards the audience at just the right moment while Annie was belting out one of her songs.

Lily’s other favourite scene was the adoption party. It was a lovely, feel-good moment and beautifully staged. Watching through her eyes was interesting because she didn’t know the story inside out like I do. She was completely caught up in the excitement and joy of the scene, while I was sitting there knowing full well that certain naughty fake parents were due to make an appearance at any moment!

The story was easy for her to follow, even though this was her first time seeing Annie, and she stayed engaged throughout. That’s always a good sign for a family musical.

Musically, the show delivers exactly what audiences want. Tomorrow remains one of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, while Easy Street was another favourite. The audience response throughout showed just how loved these songs still are.

Whether you’re introducing your children to Annie for the first time or revisiting a musical you’ve loved for years, this production is packed with warmth, humour, fantastic performances and songs you’ll be humming long after the curtain comes down.

Annie is at The Alexandra until 6 June only, so if you’ve been thinking about booking tickets, don’t wait too long.

After all…