Review: Annie at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre

Everyone’s favourite flame-haired orphan was played beautifully by 11-year-old Elise Blake.

From the second she stepped on stage, the youngster displayed such confidence and showcased her beautiful voice throughout, starting with a rendition of Maybe.

Hard Knock Life was one of the early highlights, the choreography was sassy and the kids sang with such attitude – it was brilliant and proved how strong the show’s young cast were.

Elise also managed to show both Annie’s feisty and vulnerable sides as she left the orphanage to spend Christmas with the wealthy Mr Warbucks.

The performance of I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here was one of my favourite parts of the show and reminded me of the Be Our Guest scene in Beauty and the Beast as Warbucks’ staff whizzed around the stage showing Annie the life of luxury she could expect during her stay.

Her relationship with the millionaire (sorry, billionaire) played by Callum McArdle was very touching, especially when he put his own feelings for the youngster aside to help her look for her parents.

As an incentive, he offered $50,000 if they came forward and with so much cash up for grabs, it wasn’t long before Miss Hannigan, her brother Rooster and his partner Lily started plotting their way to Easy Street.

Lesley Joseph was brilliant as Miss Hannigan, the character you loved to hate.

Although the 70-year-old’s New York accent sometimes slipped, her energy on stage was incredible and Easy Street was another highlight, especially due to the charismatic Jonny Fines (Rooster) who shone throughout the show.

With simplistic sets the focus is on the talent and with the cast of Annie, you have that by the bucket load – great singing, fantastic dancing and a couple of appearances from the super cute Labradoodle Amber, who plays Annie’s four-legged companion Sandy.

Annie is running until Saturday (April 9), so book your tickets now – you can bet your bottom dollar you’ll enjoy it!