A virtually sold-out run will delight those who attend, if the charity first night in aid of Naomi House is anything to go by.

After an uncertain opening to the overture, the orchestra soon got the balance right to allow the tuneful singing of the lead characters to be heard without difficulty.

Impressive performances were achieved by orphan Annie (Freya Evans, aged 11) and billionaire Oliver Warbucks (David Coxon) who befriends her.

She soon wins his heart, solves America's employment problems and is adopted - not without difficulty.

The baddies, Rooster Hannigan (Julian Jeffrey) and Lily St Regis (Claire Sainsbury), feign to be her parents, hoping to be financially rewarded.

The chorus was in good voice and danced impressively. Excellent support to the leads was given by Nikki Angel-Jull (Grace), Derrick Foord (Roosevelt) and Christian Jull (Bert Healy). The children (Red Team) won the hearts of the audience.