Annie is, without doubt, one of the best loved musicals around. It's a perfect medley of brilliant songs, a stand-out sore and beautifully crafted characters that take you through the full range of emotions.

In an evening tinged with sadness, we saw the production take to the stage for the first time after the recent passing of Paul O'Grady, who was alternating the role of Miss Hannigan. Craig Revel-Horwood, who played Hannigan this evening led a rousing tribute to the entertainer at the end of the show which had the audience on their feet and applauding.

Set in 1930s New York during the great depression, Annie is a musical story that focuses on the typical plot line of a baddie, a fairy godmother and a knight in shining armour who saves the day.

Brave young Annie (Zoe Akinyosade) is forced to live a life of misery and torment at the orphanage of Miss Hannigan (Revel-Horwood). Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks (David Burrows). Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search but good triumphs over evil in this hit musical which has delighted audiences for almost 40 years.

Filled to the brim with iconic songs, including 'Hard Knock Life' and 'Tomorrow', it'd be very difficult to sit in the auditorium and NOT crack a smile. 

Revel-Horwood leads the company in a very well cast - take on Miss Hannigan. Whilst his acting prowess was never in question, Miss Hannigan is a very distinct trunchbull-esque role, but one that Revel-Horwood grabs with both hands and excels at. With incredible comic timing and a brilliant dry humour, he has the audience grinning from ear to ear throughout. 

There is an age old adage that says not to work with kids or animals. Unfortunately, in a show based around an 11 year old girl with a dog, that would hamper the telling of the story somewhat. Fortunately, the young leads on stage this evening proved conclusively why we should be so incredibly proud of the future of British theatre. Let's be honest, theatre is something we and the East coast of the USA do the best...and something I maintain we still take the number 1 spot for.

Akinyosade gave a world class portrayal of Annie, with a rendition that had the confidence and presence of Aileen Quinn in the original 1982 film. She was self assured, note perfect and clearly knew the role inside out - along with the rest of the orphans on stage, they proved why kids are such naturals with a fearless attitude that personifies the character perfectly.

There's something about walking into a theatre - be it on the local touring circuit or a decked out west end venue - that makes it an experience like no other and you always hope that experience is capped by every performer blowing your socks off.

Tonight, my expectations were not only met but exceeded with a cast who are a credit to the production and one that bring this tale to life with a flair that sets them apart from so many of their contemporaries.

This production of Annie is, without doubt, a classy, well staged and slick interpretation which is well worth going to see.

Annie plays at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 15th April. For more information, or tickets, head to atgtickets.co.uk/birmingham.