Theatre Review: Annie, Bristol Hippodrome
Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Tuesday 18th August - Sunday 23rd August 2026
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (incl. interval)
Photography by Paul Coltas
Review
A joyful, heartwarming story of hope, friendship and finding family in the most unexpected places.
Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, Annie follows the young, optimistic orphan Annie, who dreams of finding her parents after being left at an orphanage as a baby. When billionaire Oliver Warbucks invites Annie to spend Christmas at his mansion, her life is transformed, bringing her into a world of luxury, new friendships and unexpected opportunities.
But with the scheming Miss Hannigan determined to take advantage of Annie's situation, the search for her parents soon becomes more complicated than anyone could have imagined.
Spoiler
As Annie's search for her parents reaches its dramatic conclusion, she discovers that the people claiming to be her parents are actually con artists. Although this is a heartbreaking moment for Annie, she ultimately finds something even more meaningful: a family in Oliver Warbucks and Grace Farrell. The story ends on a wonderfully uplifting note, reminding us that family isn't always about where you come from, but the people who choose to be there for you.
Photography by Paul Coltas
From the moment the curtain rose, Annie filled the Hippodrome with energy and charm. The production's colourful set design perfectly captured the atmosphere of 1930s New York, transporting the audience between the run-down orphanage, the busy streets of the city and the grandeur of Warbucks' mansion.
The staging was particularly impressive, with seamless scene changes and plenty of movement keeping the production feeling fresh and energetic. Combined with the lighting, costumes and choreography, it created a wonderfully nostalgic feel while still feeling bright and engaging for a modern audience.
And the main highlight…
The cast were fantastic throughout, with the young performers stealing the show. Annie herself brought an infectious warmth and confidence to the role, capturing the character's optimism without making her feel overly sweet. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast made Annie's journey feel genuinely heartfelt.
Miss Hannigan was another standout, bringing plenty of humour and personality to the production. Her chaotic relationship with the orphans provided some of the funniest moments of the evening, while Oliver Warbucks and Grace Farrell brought a lovely warmth to the story as Annie gradually becomes part of their world.
Of course, no production of Annie would be complete without the iconic songs. From the instantly recognisable It's the Hard-Knock Life to the uplifting Tomorrow, the soundtrack had the audience singing along and tapping their feet. The musical numbers were brought to life with energetic choreography and impressive performances from the entire cast.
Photography by Paul Coltas
And then there's Tomorrow.
Hearing the iconic song performed live on stage was one of those moments that reminded me exactly why Annie has remained such a beloved musical for generations. It's impossible not to leave the theatre with the melody stuck in your head - and a little more optimism than when you arrived.
What makes this production particularly enjoyable is that it manages to balance comedy, emotion and nostalgia perfectly. There are plenty of laughs, particularly from Miss Hannigan and the orphans, but the story still carries a genuine emotional heart. Annie's unwavering optimism, even when everything seems stacked against her, is what makes the story so timeless.
Annie is one of those musicals that leaves you feeling good. It's colourful, energetic, funny and full of memorable songs, while its message about hope and family remains just as relevant today.
I'd highly recommend this production to anyone looking for a feel-good theatre experience that the whole family can enjoy.
See If: You love classic musicals, unforgettable songs and feel-good stories filled with humour, heart and plenty of nostalgia.
Last Impressions: Sometimes all it takes is a little hope to turn even the hardest days into something brighter.
Similar Musicals: Matilda, Oliver!
Written by Alice Cowley
Disclaimer: These tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review