This is certain to make you smile. Anyone who braved the elements on Tuesday would have been perfectly justified to hope the sun would be coming out tomorrow. But for those who made their way to Urmston Leisure Centre to see Urmston Musical Theatre's staging of the ageless classic Annie, the weather outside was easy to forget, at least for a few hours.

Indeed, a packed house made the journey and were duly rewarded by a performance bubbling with enthusiasm, clearly thoroughly enjoyed if the accompaying singing voices from the audience and the dancing in the aisles were anything to go by.

Of course, the tale of orphan Annie and her journey from the dark and dour Municipal Orphanage in depression-hit America to the lap of luxury in the house of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, is made by the big chorus tunes. And the cast carried these numbers - including Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow - with impeccable timing and incredible vigour. This was particularly true of the young 'orphans, who it should also be said had the whining New York accents down to a tee.

Kirsty Hooper took to the role of Annie like a duck to water, even breezing through a particular hairpiece malfunction with Grace. Clive McCoy ave Mr Warbucks great warmth and Christine Perry's alcoholic spinster, orphanage owner Miss Hannigan was suitably tragic, ill tempered and conniving.

The company certainly deserve the big crowds they had on opening night, as this is an entertaining show, which makes the audience smile.

Lynsey Roberts

High-octane performances is the only way to describe the orphans. Their 'It's a Hard -Knock Life' with its percussion 'Stomp' style opening was delivered with aplomb. Their leader, Annie, played by Kirsty Hooper, brought all the right elements to the part endearing herself to the audience. The drunken, hard-headed matron, Miss Hannigan, was characterised by Christine Perry with Matthew Darsley as Hannigan's brother Rooster and Amy Brown as his gal Lily who all put their stamp on the production.

Jill Ratcliffe as the all-efficient secretary Grace, Warbuck's right hand, brought all her experience to the role. All the other character parts were presented with enthusiasm and there was strong chorus work. Direction was straightforward and the pace was driven by the M.D. who drew strong and detailed playing from the band. Finally Charades costumes and Scene Changes scenery made the right statement for this warm-hearted production.

John Flay