MK Theatre: Annie The Musical
Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Tue 21 Jul - Sun 26 Jul 2026
Where to see it: MK Theatre
Duration: 2 hours 10minutes (incl. interval)
Photography by Paul Coltas
Summary
Annie the Musical has arrived in Milton Keynes, and my childhood has been joyfully unlocked.
I was bursting with nostalgia when I found out Annie was touring the UK. It's one of those feel-good films and shows that fills me with happiness every time I think about it, so the chance to finally see the stage production was something I simply couldn't miss.
If you're new to this classic musical, don't worry, I won't give too much away. Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, the story follows the endlessly optimistic Annie, an 11-year-old orphan who never gives up hope that her parents will one day return for her.
Forced to live under the cruel rule of Miss Hannigan, brilliantly portrayed by Claire Sweeney in this UK tour, Annie becomes a beacon of hope for the other girls in the orphanage. Despite every hardship thrown her way, she refuses to let go of her positivity and determination. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait, and Annie's infectious charm eventually catches the attention of billionaire Oliver Warbucks. What begins as a carefully planned public relations opportunity soon develops into something much more meaningful, changing both of their lives forever.
Photography by Paul Coltas
Review
Now, I already knew I loved the story, but this production absolutely blew me away and I won’t even go into how I felt when the real Sandy happily came on stage (If you know, you know).
From the moment the curtain went up until the final standing ovation, I couldn't stop smiling. I found myself singing along in my head, giving the odd shoulder shuffle in my seat, and completely losing myself in the joy of it all. It is, without question, one of the most uplifting and phenomenal musicals I have ever seen.
What truly makes this production stand out is the choreography and set design. The choreography is energetic, polished and packed with personality, bringing every scene to life with infectious enthusiasm. Meanwhile, the set is stunning, transporting the audience seamlessly from the orphanage to the bustling streets of New York and beyond. Combined, they create a visual spectacle that keeps your eyes constantly engaged.
Photography by Paul Coltas
The talent on stage is equally remarkable. Every single performer delivered exceptional vocals, making it genuinely difficult to pick favourites.
That said, Sophie Saravanan as Annie was absolutely outstanding. She captured everything audiences love about the role: warmth, resilience, humour and unwavering optimism. Her performance felt effortless, and her vocals were simply incredible.
Another standout was Tanisha-Mae Brown as Grace Farrell, whose elegance, warmth and beautiful singing voice made her impossible to ignore whenever she stepped onto the stage. She brought so much heart to the role and quickly became one of my favourite characters.
I was also particularly impressed by Yujin Park, in every single one of his roles. What struck me most was his versatility throughout the show. His ability to adapt to different characters and make each one feel unique showcased an impressive level of talent and stagecraft.
Musically, this show is packed with iconic numbers, but my personal highlights were "Tomorrow" and"Easy Street". Hearing these songs performed live was a genuine goosebumps moment, and the audience reaction around me proved I wasn't the only one loving every second.
Whether you're a lifelong Annie fan like me or discovering this story for the very first time, this production has something for everyone. It's heartwarming, funny, emotional and filled with enough joy to brighten even the greyest of days.
Watch if: You love a feel good musical.
Stand out moments: When Warbucks, Grace and Annie go to the theatre.
Written by Charlotte Moyle
Disclaimer: These tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review
