BOST Musicals are consistently outstanding . . . the famous Birkenhead company is a jewel in Wirral's cultural crown.
There is a major factor in their success - a 100 percent focus on professionalism.
They maintain dazzling standards and every show is lovingly put together as they head towards their centenary.
Enthusiasm shines through with everyone who wears the BOST badge in front of and behind the curtains.
Last year A Sound of Music exceeded all creative expectations and now Annie continues to display their high-production values.
From first class sets and design ideas to period costumes it is a visual treat again illustrating teamwork from such a huge, diverse cast.
Song and dance numbers aided by some fine comic timing also contribute to a highly-polished show.
Annie is a family favourite.
A Dickensian-inspired tale of an orphan who steals the heart of a billionaire business man Mr Warbucks and the skulduggery involved when crooked types try to cash in on his generosity during the US depression.
There's some atmospheric scene-setting via back-projection newspaper headlines from 1922 to 1933.
Two Annies alternated in the lead role for the four sell-out shows and there were some very cute canines on stage, throughput.
On the night I attended, Annie was played by Siena Williams with red hair and fire to match.
Thea Baa was the equally formidable Annie in other performances.
The songs remain as timeless as ever from the opener Maybe to the orphan ensemble number Hard Knock Life, upbeat Easy Street to the soaring anthem Tomorrow.
Playing industrialist 'Daddy Warbucks' was Jonty Barnes again in fine form with some warm and emotional inter-action with Annie.
Jennifer Swanepoel was delightful as Grace.
Mark McManus as Rooster and Bridie Round as Lily were fizzing double act as the scheming imposters.
Full marks to Linzi Stefanov as the world-weary head of the orphanage Miss Hannigan and Tony Prince came up trumps as President Roosevelt.
This short, sell-out run of Annie sparkled from the eye-catching start to its joyous festive finale.
As Annie promised, the sun did come out even during a bitterly cold January.
Merseyside Musical Magic 5 Stars bostmusicals.co.uk
