Little orphan Annie has a special place in many households, whether it be the 1982 film starring Carol Burnett and Tim Curry or its many West End revivals since the 1970s.

This family favourite is now being brought back to life at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford, this time with Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood in a starring role.

Unlike most, Annie wasn’t a film we watched at home growing up, so this latest production by Nikolai Foster was my first introduction to what is generally considered to be a classic.

They say never work with children or animals but, in this case, it turned out to be a winning combination.

The kids, who set the scene right from the opening of the show, were all brilliant; energetic, adorable and lots of fun. Their rendition of Hard Knock Life really kicked things off, with impressive choreography that would be tricky for even adult performers to grasp.

Poppy Cunningham, who played the titular role of Annie in this performance, encompassed everything I imagine made people fall in love with the character all those years ago.

She wore her heart on her sleeve and showed real vulnerability, especially in numbers such as Maybe and Tomorrow, but she also had a cheeky glint in her eye and was able to joke around with the adult characters with ease.

You would think that nothing could win over the audience’s hearts more than these lovable orphans - that was, until Sandy, the golden retriever, trotted onto the stage to a resounding “Aww!”

The pup might have needed a few treats to bribe it into behaving on stage, but having a real life four-legged friend as part of the show felt like an extra special touch.

Not to be upstaged by a hound, of course, TV judge Craig Revel Horwood made sure his portrayal of alcoholic orphanage owner Miss Hannigan was an absolute scene-stealer.

With a faux New York drawl and a bottle of gin in hand, he had us all laughing at the character’s boozy antics one minute and gasping at her cruelty the next.

For me, the most show-stopping number of the whole production was Easy Street, performed by Miss Hannigan, her sleazy brother Rooster (Paul French) and his money-grabbing girlfriend Lily St. Regis (Billie Kay).

Craig’s character really came to life when given two other dancers to play off of, and the three of them brought comedy, charisma and even a touch of glamour to the number. I could’ve watched the trio perform all night.

The whole show was tied together by its 1930s Depression era New York setting.

In songs such as Hooverville, where a shanty town of people made homeless by the economic crash sing of their struggles, and N.Y.C, a dazzling whistle-stop tour of the city led by Oliver Warbucks (Alex Bourne), we were shown both sides of the Big Apple, good and bad.

Despite its turbulent political landscape, Annie is a heartwarming tale of family, love and finding your place in the world, and it was hard not to leave with a smile on your face (and perhaps a tear or two, if I’m honest).

With endearing characters, well-known songs and a touching story, it’s easy to see why this show was, and has remained, a true classic of musical theatre.

Annie is at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford until Saturday, May 6. Book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 03433 100033.