Annie - Piccadilly Theatre, London

When you've made it as a star in one form of entertainment it's not always a forgone conclusion that transfer to another will be easy or successful and Musical Theatre is probably one of the hardest to make that transition into. That being the case the performance of Miranda Hart as Miss Hannigan in the current West End revival of Annie is nothing short of heroic, there is no doubt that eight shows per week has taken its toll on the voice but, the ability to entertain an audience and become an effective and engaging character is there in bucketloads.

They say never act with children or animals but, Ms Hart decides to dive into an iconic role (who can forget Carol Burnett in the movie from 1982) alongside teams of talented youngsters and a canine show-stealer in the form of Amber (as Sandy, the lovable stray) who single-pawdly manages to steal scenes with a well timed scratch.

Front and centre are the orphans (Team Lexington in this case), headed by Lola Moxom in the title role, thoroughly deserved and brilliantly performed, perhaps a little tall for eleven years old but, that's being microscopically picky. Impossible not to mention Aurelia Borrelli as Molly, oozing cuteness alongside the innate ability to hoodwink Miss Hannigan whenever she wants.

Many of the cast have reprised roles from the last touring production starring Craig Revel Horwood (soon to rejoin the cast himself as Miranda takes a well earned rest). Alex Bourne is supreme as Daddy Warbucks, playing the journey from hard-nosed billionaire to soft-centred adoptive parent with pure performance skill. Jonny Fines and Djalenga Scott revelling in their shady deals as Rooster and Lily St Regis (never fail to laugh at Miss Hannigan's 'which floor' and 'get out of here and take the St Regis with you') along with a supporting cast capable of anything from the homeless to the staff of a billionaire.

There is no doubt that Annie is a timeless piece but, it takes constant re-imagination in casting and staging to keep it fresh and appealing, there is no doubt that Nikolai Foster (Director), Colin Richmond (Set & Costume), Beth Eden (Casting) and Debbie O'Brien (Children's Casting) have achieved this in every way.

Runs until 26th November 2017, Craig takes over from Miranda from 18th September.

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