Even the most cheerless among the audience were persuaded to wear a smile at the sugar-coated antics of Annie and her fellow orphans as they danced and sang their way through their troubles in this sizzling staging of this classic musical.

Rather fittingly set in the Depression-era America of the 1930s, the storyline follows our plucky protagonist Annie (Wigan actress Ellen Gallagher) as she escapes her life at an orphanage under the little-girl hating Miss Hannigan (Hi-de-Hi's Ruth Madoc) in favour of life with dour billionaire OliverWarbucks (David McAllister)

Using an impressive and ever-moving scenery, the audience was taken seamlessly between the orphanage, the streets and New York and the Warbucks mansion in this slick and joyful production. On the same night as the American public went to the polls, the irony of the political backdrop may have been lost on the largely youthful audience – but they ooohed and aahed their way through the night, pealing with laughter at the antics of the furry Sandy (played by Crufts finalist Danny the Dog)and transported with delight at the cuteness of the show-stealing tiniest orphan Molly, played by the simply adorable Ella Moss.

The production, which included some successful comic touches performed by the versatile cast, romped through the classic Annie numbers with a remarkable performance by 11-year-old Gallagher – whose powerful voice marks her out as one to watch. Madoc's Miss Hannigan was the perfect mix of nasty and greedy and along with the slimy Rooster Hannigan (James Gavin) and Lily St Regis (Sophie McKewan) gave the audience something to boo at.

With an electric atmosphere and a bustling full house, last night's production of Annie showcased the Charter Theatre at its best and proved that Preston CAN be up there with the best venues in the land.

A storming production with a talented cast that sent the audience home smiling.

And as a little girl once said – you're never fully dressed without one.

Annie runs until Saturday, November 8.

Nicola Adam