The Sun’ll Come Out… and So Will Your Feel-Good Smile! ☀️

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Annie brings big voices, bigger laughs and one scene-stealing cockapoo to Belfast

There are certain musicals that just feel like a warm hug, and Annie is most definitely one of them. Whether you’re eight, 48 or somewhere in between, chances are you know the songs, you know the story and, let’s face it, you’re probably already humming Tomorrow just because I mentioned it.

Opening night at the Grand Opera House Belfast proved exactly why this famous red-headed orphan, her billionaire saviour and a certain adorable four-legged friend have been charming audiences for generations.

For me, one of the absolute highlights was Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan. She completely nailed the drunken, child-hating orphanage guardian while putting her own brilliantly comic stamp on the role. I’m fairly certain she went off-script on more than one occasion, and if she didn’t, she certainly made it feel deliciously spontaneous. Particular mention has to go to the extra-long, lipstick-staining kiss planted on Daddy Warbucks’ bald head, which had the entire theatre in wrinkles. Comedy gold.

Then there’s Sophie Saravanan as Annie, whose vocals and dancing skills are frankly off the charts for someone so young, especially considering this is her first ever theatre tour. She performs with a confidence and stage presence that would put many seasoned performers to shame. And she certainly isn’t carrying the younger cast alone.

The orphanage children are fantastic, each bringing their own little personality to the stage rather than simply blending into the background. It always amazes me how these “theatre kids” manage to remember every lyric, line, dance step and cue. Then again, I’m in my 40s and regularly walk into a room only to immediately forget why I went there, so perhaps I’m not the best benchmark.

They say never work with children or animals, but nobody appears to have told Dizzy the cockapoo, who plays Annie’s canine sidekick Sandy. Dizzy was impeccably behaved and effortlessly collected some of the biggest “awwws” of the evening. That said, I’m pretty sure he knew precisely where the treats were being kept and had sensibly decided that good behaviour was a small price to pay for regular snacks. Honestly, relatable. What really comes across is the bond between the entire cast.

There’s a genuine warmth and chemistry between the leads, ensemble and younger performers that you simply can’t manufacture. To me, that’s always the sign of great casting combined with strong direction.

The staging, lighting and costumes deserve plenty of praise too. Scene changes are quick and clever, the lighting shifts the mood beautifully, and the costumes help pull you effortlessly into Annie’s world, from the orphanage to the considerably grander surroundings of Daddy Warbucks’ home.

Perhaps that’s the real magic of Annie. The audience was a wonderful mixture of young and old, with families discovering the story for the first time alongside people like me who practically know it like the back of their hand. Yet somehow, even when you know exactly what’s coming, Annie can still deliver that big dollop of old-fashioned, feel-good warmth.

It’s familiar, it’s funny, it’s ridiculously uplifting and, yes, you’ll probably be singing the songs all the way home. So don’t just take my word for it.

Go and see Annie for yourself. I challenge you to leave the Opera House without a great big feel-good smile on your face.

Go on. I double-dare you. ☀️

Annie runs at the Grand Opera House Belfast from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October. Tickets and more information are available at www.goh.co.uk.