The cheers that raised the roof on the first night of Annie on Monday were well-deserved for this production directed by Chris Colby.

Two youngsters share the title role, 11-year-old Emma Hopkins and 12-year-old Stacey Hunt.

On Monday, it was Emma's turn and it is hard to believe she is making her professional debut. This young lady has tremendous stage presence and a great singing voice. She belts out the showstopper Tomorrow like a true pro.

Su Pollard has completely shed her Hi-di-Hi image and her role as Miss Hannigan shows what a talented all-rounder she is. She can dance, sing and act the alcoholic without going over the top.

James Smillie was born to play Daddy Warbucks and his background is similar to the role he plays. He escaped the tenements of Glasgow to carve out a successful career in Australia before returning to Britain to become a West End star.

One of the most poignant moments in the show comes when he sings Something Was Missing to Annie.

Louise English is also well-cast as Oliver Warbucks' prim secretary, who blossoms into a beautiful young lady destined to become his wife.

Another highlight of the show is Matthew Hewitt's superb dancing but he has had a lot of practice in the role of Rooster Hannigan.

He played the same part in the 2002/3 tour and has just returned from Kuala Lumpur where he played it again in the first Malaysian production of Annie.

The orphans all come from the Deborah Lamb Theatre School and they do their teacher proud. There is not a sign of nerves or a bad performance from any of them. To complete the line-up is a first-class chorus which helps the show zip along at a great pace.

With attractive sets designed by Alan Miller Bunford and lighting by Graham Mclusky, this is a real feel-good show.