YOU could smell the musically charged atmosphere wafting throughout the Norbury Theatre, as memories of people’s “Annie experiences” were being exchanged.

People were humming the well known classics to the tone of the magnificent orchestra, in anticipation for all their memories to come flooding back.

There were high expectations to live up to and the cast certainly didn’t let us down.

The curtain opened to a visually stunning set of withered beds, grey walls and duvets that looked like they had past their sell by date.

Thirteen orphans decorated the stage with their infectiously convincing expressions, each one uniquely bringing something to the scene and connecting beautifully with the audience.

Without doubt, we were all singing to the same tune in thinking “I know I’m gunna like it here”.

Back stage, Kate Freeman, who gelled brilliantly with Annie on stage, remarked “Young Leah has never experienced a role like this before, yet she was remarkable”. And you certainly can’t argue with Mrs Hanigan!

Of course, comic entrances are key to a successful musical. In act one, Diesel, playing the dog Sandy, made a grand entrance, provoking instantaneous reactions from the audience. Also, Rooster sent us “Cockle-doodle-doing” with his humorous entrances and cunning remarks.

As Annie was such a successful musical, you would have thought it would have been a risky move to make some adjustments. However, director Tony Boardman’s gamble emphatically payed off.

The incorporation of NYC was a wise move, as the “star to be” certainly resembled her title. The relationship between Annie, Daddy Warbucks and Grace Farrell was particularly “swell” as Annie would say and so was the evening for all concerned!

Maria Bishton