Sparkling performances by Tiffany Da Silva and Jane James make Eastbourne Stagers’ performance of Broadway musical Annie a rip-roaring success.

Jane fully projects cruel alcoholic orphanage owner Miss Hannigan while Tiffany, as billionaire’s assistant Grace, who plucks Annie from her clutches, radiates warmth.

And 11-year-old Hannah Turner makes an adorable Annie. She doesn’t hit all her notes, but delivers Tomorrow well enough after recovering from tonsillitis.

She has some great scenes with Tiffany and Dave Nicholles, as billionaire Daddy Warbucks, who wants to adopt Annie, but tries to find her real parents.

Some of the other cast members need to increase the volume of their voices. This applies to Gareth Brighton, playing Hannigan’s corrupt brother Rooster, when he sings Easy Street, along with a few of The Hoovervilles, who cannot be clearly heard over the music provided by Daniel Goodger’s excellent orchestra.

The diction of Matt Hollands, Nicola Brook and Julian Message is crystal clear, however. Joint directors Luisa Veitch and Nathan Morris ensure that this feel-good, though predictable, story is not too cheesy.

They are helped by a superb set, uplifting choreography by Teresa Smith and Fiona Dean – and a dog called Jonah.

* Call 01323 412000 for tickets