IT IS certainly incongruous to watch a musical that has a notable Christmas element on a sweltering day in July. Yet there is a very sunny and feel good element to Annie that some how also makes it a great summer show.

The staging in the more intimate space of the Hanger Farm Arts Centre worked to the show’s advantage, underlying effectively the smallscale human drama at its heart.

The musical numbers were well arranged and allowed the vocal talent on offer to shine. The show was nicely paced with deftly choreographed scenes and good characterisation.

Hannah Irvine made a perky moppet as the titular Annie, more than holding her own.

Toby McLellan gave a touching performances as Warbucks, presenting glimpses of the lonely man behind the successful businessman.

Joe Tucker was extremely droll as F.D.Roosevelt, whilst Caitlin Buckley was in fine form as the villainous Miss Hannigan.

Karen Robson