THIS week, York Musical Theatre Company presents Annie, the extraordinary fairytale story of the little American orphan who wins the heart of big bucks millionaire ‘Daddy’ Warbucks, played here by Richard Bainbridge.

Originally premiering on Broadway in 1976, the much beloved musical comedy-drama has won numerous accolades, including seven Tony Awards, and continues to inspire tributes, revivals and re-imaginings even today.

Performing a show held in such high esteem by so many can be a daunting prospect, both at a technical level and on an emotional one. Nevertheless, York Musical Theatre Company rises to meet this challenge with zest. From the songs and dances to the jokes and set dressing, the players and crew have all excelled themselves under Paul Laidlaw's direction.

Young Kaia Stainton gives a fantastic performance as the titular Annie. Combining childlike wonder and wide-eyed innocence with brattish obstinacy and fierce determination, she has all the makings of a compelling, instantly likeable lead.

Her musical performances are equally impressive, often prompting massive applause from the audience following her solo numbers. She even manages to hold on to her New York accent throughout, a feat that some of her adult co-stars occasionally struggle to match.

York Press:

The orphans in York Musical Theatre Company's Annie. Picture: Andrea Denniss Pink Lily Photography

Kathryn Addison and Matthew Ainsworth also deserve praise for their fantastic turns as principal baddies Miss Hannigan and her brother Rooster respectively. Both villains prove to be extremely entertaining, walking a fine line between farcically inadequate and despicably unpleasant, with Addison in particular clearly relishing the ghastliness of her character.

A special mention must also be made of Barney, playing the role of Annie’s stray-turned-companion Sandy. While clearly unused to being surrounded by actors treading the boards, the loveable dog always manages to be the centre of attention, both on and, at one point, off the stage.

The simple fact is that everyone involved should be extremely proud of what they have put together. The set design, costumes and musicians are all exceptionally good, while the performers – even the youngest of them – are clearly all giving it everything they have, making for an ensemble performance that is fantastically enjoyable and surprisingly affecting.

Living up to a treasured classic is no meagre task, but it’s safe to say that the York Musical Theatre Company has done just that, and more so, bringing Annie to life with spectacular results.

York Musical Theatre Company presesnts Annie, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, until Saturday, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Box office: 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk