Last night, we had the pleasure of attending press night for Annie the Musical at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth—and what an absolute treat it was! This in-house production didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them. If ever we needed a reminder of the incredible talent we have right here in our local area, this show is it.
We all know the tale of little orphan Annie—she’s been part of popular culture since 1924—but this retelling felt as fresh and heartfelt as ever. The title role was brought to life by the outstanding Sienna Salter, whose performance and vocals were nothing short of breathtaking. “Powerful” doesn’t even begin to cover it—she completely owned the stage, holding the audience in the palm of her hand as she sang those beloved, familiar tunes.
Annie’s fellow orphans were equally captivating, delivering slick, polished routines with buckets of energy and charisma. And to our delight, Annie’s loyal four-legged companion Sandy was played by a beautiful golden retriever named Tiffin. Though her appearances were brief, she stole the spotlight every time she padded onto the stage, drawing delighted reactions from the audience.
Of course, no Annie production is complete without the wickedly funny Miss Hannigan, played here by the brilliant Andee Jordan. Jordan nails the balance of cruelty, chaos, and comedy, with subtle physical humour that is pure genius. Her scenes with Alex Fentiman’s Grace Farrell were a real highlight—their chemistry and comic timing elevated every moment they shared. It’s a pairing I hadn’t paid much attention to in past productions, but here their dynamic is so strong it’s impossible to ignore.
Steve Reading’s Oliver Warbucks was another standout, beautifully capturing the transformation from hardened businessman to warm-hearted father figure. His journey felt genuine and heartfelt, and was a joy to watch unfold.
This production truly has something for everyone—a perfect Easter holiday treat for families, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane for adults of all ages. We loved every moment and left the theatre with huge smiles on our faces.
An absolutely dazzling retelling of an iconic story—Annie at the Kings Theatre is not to be missed!
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