Like the 1982 film, the current version of Annie is based on a feisty, eleven year old orphan with an unwavering belief that her parents will return for her – and her life will be transformed forever.

A supremely talented June Young, as Annie, is one of the many stars of this effervescent musical which bursts with artistic brilliance in every aspect - from its choreography, costumes, set design - to its eight piece orchestra.

The emotional misery of the drudgery, bullying and relentless cleaning and sewing chores Annie and her sleep-deprived fellow residents are subjected to at Hannigan’s state orphanage are set against America’s economic backdrop of 1933.

Roosevelt’s arrival at the White House coincided with the US on the brink of collapse, banks had collapsed leaving millions penniless and homeless.

A superb scene where Annie stumbles into a shanty town inhabited by the formerly wealthy - who now possess only the clothes they stand up in - depicts the harsh reality.

Meanwhile, the daily misery handed out in the bleak orphanage devoid of toys, love, and comfort is attributable to its selfish, gin addled manager, Miss Hannigan, whose unhealthy, all-consuming jealousy of Annie sees her use every opportunity to be cruel to her.

Outside of the plot, deep-rooted childhood dreams and aspirations are also played out in real life for Claire Sweeney who has aspired to the play the spiteful, cold hearted custodian since she was a child.

Her emotional investment in the role was apparent from the outset, and her comedic timing delightful.

Miss Hannigan, for me, is the pinnacle. It’s a role I’ve always wanted to play. A friend of mine gave me a collage for my 40th birthday, 15 years ago, with pictures of my life on there. And he superimposed my face onto the body of Paul O’Grady playing Miss Hannigan, so I’ve sat and looked at myself as Miss Hannigan for the last 15 years and I’ve just been manifesting it. It’s tragic, it’s funny, it’s just a brilliant role. It’s got everything in it.

The stark contrast between the haves and the have not's is emphasised when Annie’s fortunes take a turn for the better.

Landing a lucky break to spend Christmas with kind-hearted, billionaire magnate, Oliver Warbucks (Daddy Warbucks), delivered excellently by all-rounder Alex Bourne, opens up a new world for Annie where respect and care are the norm.

Tanisha-Mae-Brown is outstanding as Warbucks’ thoughtful assistant Grace Farrell – her poise, elegance, vocals, and dancing are flawless.

Also worthy of mention is the slimy, conniving duo of Christian Cooper as Miss Hannigan’s obnoxious brother, Rooster, and his equally abhorrent squeeze, Lily, performed by Amber Kennedy.

American to the core, not everything gelled - the scene where Annie inspires Roosevelt and his cabinet to seek solutions to the economic crisis was beyond the realms of fantasy.

Elements of the show I loved included the musical score and its heartfelt songs such as It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, which was over-played.

The creative team delivered excellence in every aspect. Enormous shout outs for the authentic backdrops from Set and Costume Designer, Colin Richmond, and to Choreographer, Nick Winston, Orchestral Arranger & Musical Supervisor, George Dyer - and Director Nikolai Foster.

The credits are not complete without a nod to canine Sandy whose pawsome cameo role elicited 'oohs' and 'ahhs' in spades.

In this show, Dizzy, a delightful cockerpoo who lives up to her name by going round in circles, took centre stage.

A dazzling finale, worthy of Broadway’s best, catapulted my feel-good factor to the heady heights of the Empire State Building, making the minor setbacks sink into oblivion.

Timeless and universal, I bet all my tomorrows that Annie’s eternal themes of love versus evil, perseverance, and kindness will continue to sweep audiences off their feet.

Annie plays Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday, August 8 2026. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

For details of the UK tour which plays at venues including Hull, Bradford and Sunderland, visit Tour Dates Annie Musical UK Tour