EDINBURGH 2018: Review: ANNIE, Rose Theatre

The sun'll come out tomorrow. These words may seem rather optimistic against a rainy Edinburgh backdrop, but Captivate Theatre serve a healthy dollop of sunshine and optimism in their telling of the classic tale of the orphan taken in by billionaire Daddy Warbucks.

The opening 30 minutes are a rip-roaring, blazing powerhouse that remind us why this musical has lasted the test of time. The show does wander in Act II, which is a flaw in the writing rather than the performance, making smaller members of the audience a little restless. This is inevitable, but the cast do well to keep the pace during these scenes.

The chorus of young orphans are a talented young bunch, and paired with the brilliantly boozy Miss Hannigan (Hazel Beattie), they easily rival recent big-budget tours of the show. Sally Lyall's direction shines particular in an early fight scene between the orphans, an example of the attention to detail in this production.

What the company lack in physical onstage resources, they more than compensate for in raw talent. Georgia Sim excels in the title role, delivering a solid performance without having to rely on the stereotypical ginger curls. Donald Budge is a delight as Warbucks, and Liam Forrester has found his ideal role in sleazy jailbird Rooster.

Every note of the show is played live by an 11-strong orchestra, which brings out the best in the score. Favourite numbers like "Tomorrow" and "Hard Knock Life" are punchy and energy-filled, and less exciting numbers such as "We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover" are made much more bearable.

"Easy Street" is undoubtedly the highlight of the show, with stellar vocal performances and humour injected between verses that are novel to this particular production.

As ever, Captivate Theatre really do know the secret formula to produce a winner of a show. Audiences can expect a full-blown musical, not just a budget revue. Annie shows just how musical theatre at the Fringe should be done.

Annie at Rose Theatre, Edinburgh (selected dates) until 26 August

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