ANNIE, the little girl with the mop of red hair, has come a long way since her first appearance in cartoon form in 1924. And this latest musical revival has an equally long journey to make – its opening in Newcastle simply marking the beginning of a year-long tour. But what a year it promises to be if the standing ovation that greeted the opening night at the Theatre Royal is anything to go by.

This is a production that pulls out all the stops from Colin Richmond’s slick and colourful designs to the sparky energy of the orphan girls. No sloppy sentimentality, these are kids with attitude – and Sophia Pettit’s accomplished performance as Annie is no exception as she leads the excellent company. Even Sandy, her four-legged companion (the well-trained Amber) never puts a paw wrong.

And what of the adults who have dismissed the age-old adage of never to work with children or animals? They fare very well indeed in this perfectly cast production. Craig Revel Horwood provides a glamorous Miss Hannigan – more gin-soaked aunt than evil orphanage principal – and Alex Bourne is outstanding as Daddy Warbucks, the hardened businessman whose heart is about to be softened by Annie’s eternal optimism. Their second act duet, Something Was Missing, is a touching highlight.

The first-rate orchestra is under the musical direction of George Dyer, the stunning choreography is by Nick Winston and the entire production under the creative direction of Nikolai Foster.

* Runs until Saturday, Box Office: 08448-112121 or theatreroyal.co.uk

Laurence Sach