Review: Annie with Lesley Joseph playing Miss Hannigan at The Regent Theatre*

We went to watch Annie last night at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent for press night and to be honest, I was as excited as my kids!  I remember watching the production at Resorts World Genting almost 15 years ago when Annie the Musical toured the world and stopped in Malaysia. Watching it last night with both my kids, only reminded me of how big the songs were and how talented the cast and dancers are. I must add that the jigsaw-themed stage was magnificently set-up and the backdrops and props moved flawlessly around the stage with each change of scene without any delay or interruptions.

Based on Harold Grey’s newspaper cartoon strip Little Orphan Annie, the award-winning Broadway musical has also been made into two comedy-drama, the 1982 version which I know many of you would have watched growing up and the 2014 version which both my kids have watched countless times starring Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale and Cameron Diaz.

Directed by Nikolai Foster, the musical is set in 1930s New York in a town called Hooversvilles during the great depression, where the story focuses on a group of orphans kept in meagre conditions by their orphanage boss, a bitter alcoholic, Miss Hannigan, played by Lesley Joseph (more recognisable in her role as Dorien Green from the television sitcom Birds of a Feather and her recent association with Strictly Come Dancing).  Amongst the orphans (played by the six members of Team Chrysler), is Annie, played by the very talented Mia Lakha (on the night of the review) who is looking to find her real parents even after 11 long years of waiting for them.  Soon, she is chosen by Grace Farrell (played by Carolyn Maitland) to spend Christmas at Oliver Warbucks’s mansion (played by Alex Bourne), who is a self-made billionaire.

Lesley Joseph who first played the role in 1988 has again reprised her role in this tour, you would not have guessed that she is 73-years-old as she kept up with the energetic dance routines and thrilled the crowd with her dance movements and her dry humour.  Alex not only looked dashing but his personality shone through while Carolyn was just so lovable as Grace.  Mention should also be made to the other child actors, who sang, danced and kept in character all through, mainly Zara Bench who plays Molly. She played her role so well and captivated my heart.  I should also add that Sandy the Dog (played by Amber, a five-year-old Labradoodle) got the crowd ooing and aaing whenever she made an appearance. Such amazing acting and dancing from the adult performers as they all stood out for me and made the production that much better. Richard Meek who plays Miss Hannigan’s brother Meek as well as Jenny Gayner who lays Lily, Rooster’s girlfriend carried their roles really well.

We heard some of the more recognisable songs in Act One such as Maybe, Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow and Little Girls. Mia’s voice was strong and her confidence shone through. We found that at times the voices of some of the performers became too high pitched but nevertheless we all enjoyed the songs.  Even my nine-year-old was very impressed by Team Chrysler doing flips and jumps on the stage.

If you have never watched or read the story of Annie….then I won’t indulge you with the full story but will leave you with the thought of …will Annie eventually find her real parents with the help of Mr Warbuck and his friend, President Franklin D Roosevelt or will Miss Hannigan foil Annie’s dreams or finally getting a home of her own?

Cast Details
Lesley Joseph – Miss Hannigan  
Alex Bourne – Oliver Warbucks 
Richard Meek –  Rooster
Jenny Gayner – Lily
Carolyn Maitland – Grace Farrell  
Michael Anderson – Butler and NBC Producer
Andy Barke – Drake
Caroline Bateson – Mrs Greer and Bonnie Boylan
Blaise Colangelo – Annette, Star to be, Connie and Morganthau
Gary Davis – Lt Ward, Franklin Roosevelt and Jimmy Johnson
Ashleigh Graham – Cecile and Ronnie Boylan
Darren John – Ickes
Matt Trevorrow – Assistant Dance Captain, Apple Seller, Fred McCracken and Hull
Susannah Van Den Berg – Bert Healy, Sophie, Mrs Pugh and Frances Perkins
Thomas Audibert – Swing
Daisy Boyles – Swing
Amy West – Dance Captain and Swing
Samuel Wilson Freeman – Swing, Bundles and Howe

Team Chrysler
Zara Bench – Molly
Kacey Agwuegbo – Duffy
Dulcie Allsop – Tessie
Marie Peedle – Pepper
Saskia Salmon – July
Sophia Smith – Kate

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £13 to £50

How do I book tickets to watch Annie?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show opened yesterday and will run until Saturday, 23 November 2019. Shows be at 7.30pm while there will be two matinee shows at 2.30 on Wednesday and Saturday. Click here to see the trailer to the show.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

About Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

Tips / Information

• Parking is ample either around the public car parks close to The Regent, but do check the rules. Some parking lots might need you to pay even at night. We parked up at intu Potteries and that cost us £1 (its fixed rate after 6pm).
• Programme Booklets are usually on sale for £5, full details of the show and cast members are featured on it.
• The Regent is a beautiful theatre with ornate decor and traditional seating. It has plenty of performances out throughout the year and lots of variety.

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Photo Credit :  Regent Theatre / Annie / Paul Coltas

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.