REVIEW: ANNIE @ NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

🎭 Annie

📍 New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QG

🗓 Wednesday 27th May 2026

⭐️ 5 Stars

A TRIUMPHANT REVIVAL

Getting down to the New Wimbledon Theatre for opening the opening night of the new UK tour of ANNIE was quite the epic saga. With the May heatwave absolutely melting the South London tarmac, I made a wildly strategic detour from my usual travel routing. I completely ditched the stifling, subterranean oven of the tube lines and hopped on the train instead. Thank goodness for frosty air conditioning!

As soon as I arrived at the theatre, you could feel the absolute electricity crackling in the air. ANNIE is a show everyone knows inside out, back to front, and upside down. It brings this incredible, comforting wave of pure nostalgia, making it a true family show and theatregoers of all ages were absolutely buzzing in the foyer before the curtains even dared to rise.

The first thing that hits you smack in the face when you enter the auditorium is Colin Richmond's magnificent, towering set design. The staging is visually striking, using puzzle-piece imagery and clever, shifting structures that effortlessly transport us from the bleakness of the 1930s municipal orphanage straight into the towering, opulent luxury of the Warbucks mansion. It is a visual feast!

The cork of excitement popped entirely as soon as the orchestra sprang into glorious action. Led by musical director Nick Tudor, the sound was warm, rich, and filled the beautiful Wimbledon auditorium like a sumptuous musical blanket.

Making her official musical theatre debut as Miss Hannigan is Strictly Come Dancing and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK royalty, La Voix. There was serious, dazzling star power in the house to support her, with glittery cast members from both of those hit shows spotted in the audience. Stepping into the massive shoes of past drag icon Lily Savage (the legendary Paul O'Grady) is no small feat, but oh my goodness, this was a genius bit of casting. La Voix is simply born for the role. She brings just the right amount of sharp, biting wit and vodka-soaked disdain to the character, never once crossing the line into a cheap pantomime villain - which would be so entirely easy to do here. We all know she can sing, but she really showed off just how massive her lungs are during "Little Girls". Broadway belts for days!

Alongside Christian Cooper as a wonderfully slick, slinking Rooster and Amber Kennedy as a delightfully ditzy Lily, one of my absolute favourite, jaw-dropping moments of the entire evening was the performance of "Easy Street". The choreography, the vocals, and the pure, unadulterated comedic chemistry between the three villains was pure, joyous theatrical heaven.

Speaking of the movement, Nick Winston has created something entirely exciting, fresh, and electric. "N.Y.C." was another epic, show-stopping moment, executed flawlessly by the company. For a tour that only opened last Saturday, I was incredibly, profoundly impressed by the sheer synchronicity and tightness of the ensemble. They are dancing like rent is due!

The youngsters in the show more than kept up with the adult cast. Their fierce, rhythmic execution of "It's the Hard-Knock Life" was completely flawless and packed a real, gritty punch. Leading the children, and the entire company in fact, as Annie was Victoria Alsina on opening night. What incredible vocals for someone so young, delivered with such impressive, mature control. This pint-sized powerhouse is a major star in the making. She displayed wonderful acting through song and was completely, heartbreakingly believable as everyone's favourite little orphan.

Of course, Alex Bourne is the definitive, undisputed face of Daddy Warbucks. Returning to reprise the role for this latest tour, he proves exactly why he is a true musical theatre stalwart. His warm, velvety vocals and commanding yet gentle presence are the perfect pairing for the billionaire with a hidden heart. He is just one of those top-tier, gold-standard actors you guarantee will always deliver a total masterclass performance.

This production can surely boast one of the strongest companies on any UK stage right now. I was completely and utterly captivated by Tanisha-Mae Brown's glorious vocals as Grace Farrell, which beautifully echoed the classic, crystal-clear musical theatre voices of a bygone era. I could quite honestly listen to her sing all night long into the early hours. Other notable mentions must go to the brilliant Elliot David Parkes and Carl Sanderson, but honestly, the casting director has done a spectacular, unmatched job across the board.

The last time I reviewed this show on tour, I felt the cast wasn't that strong overall and only awarded the production 3 stars. This just goes to show how important casting really is.

I simply have to finish off by talking about the lighting, because anyone who knows me even a little bit knows how much I obsess over a good lighting design. With Ben Cracknell at the technical helm, ANNIE is lifted even higher into the stratosphere. The dazzling, colourful, and vibrant lighting palette just makes my theatrical heart happy, framing the final scenes beautifully in a warm, spectacular glow.

Whether you are a lifelong fan of the musical or are coming to it for the very first time, this sparkling production will have you singing "Tomorrow" at the top of your lungs all the way home. It is an absolute, non-negotiable must-see for the whole family!

ANNIE continues performances at New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday 30th May. CLICK HERE to book tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Annie was gifted by New Wimbledon Theatre who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST AT THIS PERFORMANCE:

Victoria Alsina as Annie; La Voix as Miss Hannigan; Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks; Tanisha-Mae Brown as Grace Farrell; Christian Cooper as Rooster; Amber Kennedy as Lily; Carl Sanderson as Lt Ward / Franklin Roosevelt / Jimmy Johnson; Elliot David Parkes as Bert Healy; Sophie Elmes as Star to Be / Bonnie Boylan / Annette; Harrison Burley as Bundles; Yujin Park as Apple Seller; Michaela Stern as Mrs Pugh; Issy Khogali as Mrs Greer / Ronnie Boylan; Zoë Canham as Connie Boylan / Cecile; Luke Harley as Drake; Marnie Rae Warren-Baker as Duffy; Thandie Lalji as July; Dolly Ismail as Kate; Jemima Lown as Molly; Amber Koduah-Hutchison as Pepper; Maddy Collings as Tessie; Belle Kizzy Green as Swing; Jack Buchanan as Swing; Matthew Sweet as Swing; Jessica Wright as Swing; Dizzy as Sandy

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

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