Review | Annie | Manchester Palace Theatre | 09 June 2026
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
Just over a century since first appearing in comic strip form, the famous red-headed orphan has arrived in Manchester as part of an extensive UK & Ireland tour. Nikolai Foster’s acclaimed revival brings to stage the uplifting story that has made generations of musical fans fall in love with Annie.
Set in 1930s New York City, we follow Annie, a young orphan who dreams of finding the parents who left at the orphanage doors. Put to work along with the other children in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, she refuses to accept it as her home. When Annie manages to escape with the laundry, she embarks on a journey to find her family.
It is an undeniably simple story, yet this is where much of its appeal lies. Resisting the urge to complicate with unnecessary subplots, it allows the audience to sit back and enjoy the show. Foster understands this and resists the temptation to reinvent. Instead, he has created a version that still manages to feel modern, but without losing any of its heart or familiarity.
With oversized jigsaw pieces framing the stage, Colin Richmonds set design is playful. Combined with colourful costumes alongside Ben Cracknell’s vibrant lighting design, the production feels fresh and exciting. While Nick Winston’s energetic choreography adds real sass in the ensemble numbers, one of the shows standout elements.
All the beloved songs audiences want to hear remain, with everything from ‘Tomorrow’ to ‘It’s The Hard Knock Life’ and ‘N.Y.C.’ It is perhaps a shame that so many of the anticipated songs feature in the first act, with the second act leaning more heavily on reprises. That said, under Nick Tudor, updated arrangements bring a renewed energy to the score, with a more contemporary and punchier edge than perhaps expected.
Annie is often known for star casting for Miss Hannigan, which has often had mixed success in the past. La Voix’s casting however is inspired, making it difficult to imagine anyone else in the role. Bringing exactly the right amount of camp villainy to the role, she commands the stage without being too scary for younger audience members. Her comic timing is impeccable, in what is an excellent musical theatre debut. The true stars of the evening are the talented young performers, led wonderfully by Victoria Alsina as a confident and assured Annie. The young ensemble bring an infectious energy, with each orphan having their own unique personality, giving real charm. They really are the heart of the show… unless you count the adorable Dizzy as Sandy the dog, who knew exactly where all the treats were!
Annie may not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes a nostalgic warm hug is exactly what audiences are looking for, and Annie delivers that perfectly and plays at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 20 June 2026.
Note: My ticket was gifted in exchange for a review. This review is based on my honest opinion alone and is without influence.
