By Julia Taylor

SALE and Altrincham Musical Theatre has chosen a winner for its 80th anniversary production of Annie at Sale Waterside Arts.

Directed by Nick Angus, this sob story about a little girl who is cruelly treated in an orphanage, receives lots of Oohs and Aahs.

Many result from the antics of Lottie, the dog who plays Sandy.

She always appears on cue, wagging her tail furiously.

But animals don’t have to learn lines or express feelings.

That is down to 13-year-old Natalia Jacques who plays Annie. Her character is determined to find her real parents but ends up being adopted by millionaire Daddy Warbuck, a charismatic Peter Birch.

Peter sings well and has good stage presence. He and Natalia bond well.

Natalia is cut out for a musical lead because, not only does she sing songs such as Tomorrow well but, under James Goodwin’s guidance, dances well, too.

It’s her relationship with others that stands out. Be it the dreadful Miss Hannigan, the orphan who wants her mum, or the benevolent Daddy Warbucks.

Philippa Shellard’s Miss Hannigan is a gin-swilling, conniving character who hates children. She only does her job for the money and melodramatically hisses her hate at her girl charges.

I like Sarah Thewlis’s portrayal of Daddy Warbuck’s efficient and kindly PA ,Grace Farrell.

The scene where she dances with her boss after he has taught Annie the steps, is heart warming.

The kids in the chorus belt out songs with gusto.

* Annie is at the Sale Waterside Arts Centre until November 12. For tickets,call 07504 771 951 or 0161 865 0293 telephone or see samthetre.co.uk. Star rating: * * * *