Annie review: Claire Sweeney shines in this heartwarming musical at Wales Millennium Centre
Few musicals have stood the test of time quite like Annie, and the latest UK and Ireland tour, which opened at Wales Millennium Centre this week, proves exactly why this feel-good classic continues to delight audiences of all ages. Packed with memorable songs, energetic choreography and an exceptional cast, this polished production delivers warmth, humour and plenty of heart.
Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York during the Great Depression, Annie follows the optimistic young orphan determined to find her real parents despite the hardships of life under the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Fate intervenes when billionaire Oliver Warbucks invites Annie to spend Christmas at his lavish mansion, setting in motion a story of hope, family and resilience that has charmed audiences for generations.
The production's biggest talking point is undoubtedly Claire Sweeney's debut as the infamous Miss Hannigan. Best known for her television roles in Coronation Street and Brookside, Sweeney proves she is equally at home on the musical theatre stage. Her Miss Hannigan is gloriously larger than life—deliciously wicked yet never one-dimensional. Combining razor-sharp comic timing with powerhouse vocals, she dominates every scene she appears in, earning some of the evening's biggest laughs.
Alex Bourne brings warmth and authority to Oliver Warbucks, allowing his character's emotional transformation to develop naturally throughout the show. His chemistry with Annie feels genuine, making their growing bond one of the production's emotional highlights.
Tanisha-Mae Brown delivers an elegant and engaging Grace Farrell, while Christian Cooper and Amber Kennedy relish every moment as the scheming Rooster and glamorous Lily St. Regis. Their performance of "Easy Street" is one of the musical's standout numbers, full of energy, charisma and impeccable comic timing.
“this feel-good classic continues to delight audiences of all ages”
The young performers deserve enormous praise, with the role of Annie shared during the tour by Victoria Alsina, Sophia Saravanan and June Young. At this performance, the young lead delivered an assured and heartfelt performance, capturing Annie's infectious optimism without ever becoming overly sentimental. The ensemble of orphans filled the stage with enthusiasm and confidence, particularly during the rousing "It's the Hard Knock Life", which remains one of musical theatre's most iconic opening numbers.
Musically, the production is everything audiences could hope for. Classics including "Tomorrow", "I Don't Need Anything But You" and "Maybe" are beautifully performed, with the orchestra giving Charles Strouse's much-loved score the richness and warmth it deserves. By the time the audience joined in applause following the reprise of "Tomorrow", the feel-good atmosphere inside Wales Millennium Centre was unmistakable.
Director Nikolai Foster keeps the pacing brisk throughout, balancing spectacle with intimate character moments. Colin Richmond's stylish set and costume design successfully evoke Depression-era New York, moving seamlessly from the bleak orphanage to Warbucks' luxurious mansion. Nick Winston's choreography injects constant energy into the production, while Ben Cracknell's lighting and Richard Brooker's sound design enhance the cinematic quality of the storytelling.
Although Annie is a familiar story, this production never feels dated. Its themes of hope, kindness and perseverance remain as relevant today as ever, making it an uplifting evening that appeals equally to lifelong fans and newcomers alike.
This latest touring production is a slick, joyful revival that captures everything audiences love about this enduring musical. With Claire Sweeney delivering a scene-stealing performance as Miss Hannigan and a talented company supporting her, Annie at Wales Millennium Centre is an entertaining family musical that leaves audiences smiling long after the curtain falls.
To listen or read our Interview with Claire Sweeney, Click Here, and To get your tickets to Annie at the Wales Millennium Centre click here!
