BWW Reviews: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, New Wimbledon Theatre, September 9 2014

Frank Butler, star of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, is the champion marksman in the whole US of A, unbeaten and as cocky as you would imagine. That is, until feisty farmgirl Annie Oakley challenges him to a shootin' contest and beats him, finding herself a place in Buffalo Bill's show and, she hopes, a place in Frank's heart.

Okay, it's not a plot that stretches the audience's concentration, nor does it adhere closely to the historical record, but, with World War II over just a year before, it was plenty enough for the Broadway public 70 years ago and, after a few re-writes to avoid some of the original's "quaint" understanding of the positions in society occupied by women and Native Americans, it's still proving that there's no business like show business.

That longevity is thanks to the songs, which are simply sensational! There's the showstopping "No Business Like Show Business" of course (making at least four appearances), a brilliantly performed "Anything You Can Do", a lilting "Moonshine Lullaby" and a smart "Who Do You Love, I Hope"... and many more. Though it's the catchy tunes that hook you (beautifully played by an onstage orchestra), it's Berlin's economy of language and celebration of wit that leaves a lasting impression.

These simple songs need proper singing though and they get that (and more) from Emma Williams, who is fabulous as Annie, a big star performance for the star of the shootin' show - her turn in "Anything You Can Do" is worth the ticket price alone! Jason Donovan isn't really given enough to do (the Frank Butler part was somewhat emasculated in the re-writes) and it's hard to believe that so vivacious a girl as Annie would fall for Frank - but she does. The principals get fine support from a cast of old hands and youngsters, the standouts being the teenage sweethearts played by Lorna Want and Yiftach Mizrahi and Ed Currie's deadpan Chief Sitting Bull.

So don't expect an exploration of America's Manifest Destiny and its impact on native peoples and women: do expect some immortal songs delivered with great gusto and a marvellous central performance.

Annie Get Your Gun continues at New Wimbledon Theatre until 13 September.

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