On a dreary and rainy February evening, the audience pour in from the dark and eagerly take their seats. The Main Hall of The Holy Trinity Church of England Secondary School has been in every sense transformed. No longer are we in West Sussex. The sight that unfolds is a run down orphanage in 1933's New York City. The sleeping orphans arrive, “It’s a hard knock life” is chanted as a war cry and the story begins. One of the first things you notice about Annie as a musical is it is jam packed with incredible characters and all the students passionately bringing them to life. From the very beginning, Lakeisha Wood as Miss Hannigan captures the stage with vulgar humour and cruel taunting. Her performance is so funny and exciting that, as an audience, fingers are always crossed that Miss Hanagan will make an appearance in the scene. Another standout performance is Harry Madel as the billionaire with a heart, Mr Warbucks. With subtle acting and an incredible American accent, Harry is a confidence and quick-witted voice on stage. Now this review would be entirely redundant if I did not mention the titular character herself. Millie Knight as Annie is a powerhouse. Through Millie’s combination of incredible singing, hilarious timing and the kind of acting that wears its heart on its sleeve, we as an audience root for Annie the entire play. In many ways, the most encouraging thing about Millie’s performance is she understands when to draw focus and when to let other actors shine. Annie is not a show that can rely on three actors alone. Its themes of community, found family and resilience during times of hardship are reliant on a strong ensemble. From orphaned girls to NYC passersby, from the Hooverville underclass to the staff of the White House - the ensemble is always working together with support and joy. The choruses are belted, the lines bounce with energy and the two hours fly by. Every student that steps on that stage has a look of pure happiness and pride and that is the most inspiring thing to see. A musical is by no means the responsibility and the product of the performers alone and there is a diligent army of other creatives in the background maintaining the fantasy of the musical. They are lighting designers, set designers, musical direction, costume and make-up team, stage hands, sound designers and front of house to name some. You are all wonderful and deserve ever clap the audience give. Of course it must be said that without the vision, dedication and passion of the HTS Performing Arts Academy, there is no Annie. To you - your students are so incredibly lucky to be given the opportunity and endless support. Annie has their final show on Friday night! If you haven't been to see it yet, you have one final opportunity. And if you have been intrigued by the spotlight, the solos and the sets, why not get involved when the next production is announced? I am certain that you won't regret it!