Archive review: I saw Annie at the Piccadilly Theatre in June 2017, with Miranda Hart as Miss Hannigan and Ruby Stokes performing Annie as part of Team Rockefeller. I was invited to review the production and received complimentary tickets in return for an honest review. This article preserves the cast, dates and my experience of that particular West End production; it is not current booking information.
Seeing Annie in the West End
I must have seen the film over a billion times. Annie has always been one of my favourite movies, so seeing it performed live on stage made it even better.
I was particularly curious about Miranda Hart taking on Miss Hannigan. I knew her as the gentle giant Miranda who had me crying with laughter, so seeing her play the drunken, chaotic orphanage matron was going to be a very different side of her.
About the 2017 Production
Annie is set in New York during the Great Depression. Annie’s luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. As Warbucks and those around him fall in love with the feisty young girl, Miss Hannigan and her cronies hatch a plan of their own.
The production opened at London’s Piccadilly Theatre on 5 June 2017. At the time of my visit, Miranda Hart was appearing as Miss Hannigan, Alex Bourne played Daddy Warbucks and the young Annies performed in teams.
Ruby Stokes as Annie
For my performance I had Team Rockefeller, with Ruby Stokes as Annie.
“I was blown away by this young lady’s voice and ability to capture Annie. She transferred that so well to the audience.”
Ruby had previously appeared in the UK tour of The Sound of Music, a production I’d also seen. You can read my The Sound of Music review in the theatre archive.
The girls worked so fluidly together. I particularly loved the choreography in It’s the Hard-Knock Life, with the metal buckets and scrubbing brushes becoming part of the number.
Miranda Hart as Miss Hannigan
Miranda Hart was fantastic as Miss Hannigan. I kept half-expecting one of those classic Miranda moments where she stops talking to the other characters and starts talking to the audience. 😂
My benchmark was Carol Burnett’s Miss Hannigan from the 1982 film. At the time I wrote that I’d have liked Hart to play the drunken side a little more strongly, but I still thought she was fantastic — particularly in Little Girls.
Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks was spot-on too.
Staging, Costumes and Choreography
Creative director Nikolai Foster and the production team brought the show to life beautifully. The staging, props, costumes, hair and makeup all impressed me, and I loved seeing how much work went into creating Annie’s world on stage.
The ensemble was incredibly talented and the production had the warmth I wanted from a musical I’d known since childhood.
Our Piccadilly Theatre Experience
I was lucky enough to have excellent seats for the review. I was also impressed by the theatre’s at-seat ordering system, which allowed audiences to order sweets and drinks for delivery to their seats.
Thumbs up for that one!
This section describes my 2017 visit. Theatre services and facilities may have changed since then, so it shouldn’t be treated as current Piccadilly Theatre visitor information.
Clarissa’s Review
For me, this was a must-see. I already loved Annie on film and seeing those familiar characters and songs performed live gave me another way to enjoy a story I’d known for years.
My rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2017 Production Details
At the time of my review, Annie was playing at the Piccadilly Theatre. The West End run began on 5 June 2017 and was scheduled through to 6 January 2018. The advertised running time was approximately 2 hours 20 minutes including an interval.
These dates and details are retained for historical reference. The original booking link has been removed because this production has ended.
More Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
If you enjoyed this archive review, continue with my The Sound of Music review or explore more theatre and culture on Clarissa’s Corner.
Wow full rating. You definitely enjoyed it, I’ve not been to the theatre in a long time. I need to find something to watch x
I was wondering how good Miranda would be in this role, but it looks like you’ve given her a full thumbs up! Glad you had s great time.
My children would love this ! Annie is popular in our house x
This sounds fab! I love the film but haven’t seen the stage show xx
I love Miranda Hart, she is brilliant! I miss her sitcom a lot 🙂 Would definitely go and see the show and with your 5 star recommendation I bet I would enjoy it! x
Looks like you had a fab time!
This is definitely on my list to go and see, I think Miranda Hart would make a great Miss Hannigan, glad you enjoyed the show 🙂
Love musicals, so will deffo be adding Annie the Musical onto the watch list 🙂 x
100% must watch have you seen any others?
ooo i do like miranda hart! i’ll have to see if i can drag someone to watch it with me haha
I’d definitely go back again lol
Seems like such a fantastic musical, I would love to see Annie!
Definitely do look into it!
So glad you enjoyed it! I’ve been wondering how it was since I heard about it!
I have to say I’ve never been a fan of musicals but I loved Annie as a kid so perhaps I’ll give them another go after your review!
Do it and Matilda that was fantastic !!
I’m so tempted to see this, it sounds like such a fun musical x
Annie is one of my fave childhood movies I know the soundtrack and most of the script so when I saw its on stage in a musical I was over joyed!!! This sounds great and I really must see it!
I’m ashamed to say I’ve never seen Annie but my sister loves it! Sounds like a great show (and a wonderful cast – Miranda Hart!) and I’m sure my sister would love it.
This just looks so fab, I am going to try and get some tickets. I love Miranda!
Seriously was amazing and Matilda!
I’m quite iffy about Miranda Hart in general as she isn’t my cup of tea, but after seeing your 5 star rating I may have to go see for myself.
I 100% love Miranda Hart there were some funny younger in cheek bits but that’s what made the character x
Oh wow! I just could not imagine Miranda as Ms Hannigan (that woman terrified me as a child), it’s so nice to hear she’s not just the Miranda we see in her show. I will definitely catch this if it tours. x
I am so glad you enjoyed this – I did think Miranda was a bit of an odd choice but I may have to go see this now!
I absolutely love the film version of Annie, with Carol Burnett, so I would have loved to see the musical.
The one problem I have is that I just dont like Miranda Hart. So for me I have to give it a miss, which is a shame xx
We loved the classic film Annie, so wouldn’t mind seeing it on stage. We need to make more of an effort to see some shows in 2017!
I absolutely love going to the theatre and watching musicals! Sounds like this was a great one – I love Miranda Hart.
This sounds really a fun and entertaining show to watch. Thank you for that wonderful feedback. I hope I can also see them too.
Its such a long time since i saw a stage show, really must put that right!
Oh I really want to see this! I love the theatre! I saw Wind in the Willows on opening night last week and it was fab! Will be writing my review in the next few days!
Sounds awesome! If only for the drinks delivered to seat bit!! Must confess, I’ve never seen any version of Annie!