Annie Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

★★★★★ WATCHING Craig Revel Horwood “drunkenly” dancing across the stage in vertiginous heels while wearing a ginger curly wig, garish makeup, a lilac slinky satin number, stockings and bright yellow dressing gown is one of this summer’s highlights.

The acerbic Strictly Come Dancing judge is living up to his “baddie” image by reviving his role as Miss Hannigan in the stage musical Annie.

And he plays the cruel boss of the orphanage with a real menacing swagger.

Annie is the perfect choice for the school summer holiday as this is one of those family shows that has everyone engaged from the off, thanks to the popular singalong numbers, a cute and talented young cast, a real-life dog and, of course, Revel Horwood’s pantomime dame figure.

There are three young actresses taking on the role of Annie and, on this occasion, Mia Lakha, was playing the part and she acted and sang her socks off.

Some of the best scenes involve the other orphans, who are full of energy and have a lovely chemistry, and among the highlights is their reprisal of Easy Street – there’s some fantastic choreography to boot.

Alex Bourne is the perfect father figure as Daddy Warbucks and there are some lovely tender scenes with him and Annie.

Richard Meek and Jenny Gayner are the perfect “baddie” double act as con artists Rooster and Lily while Carolyn Maitland is well cast as Daddy Warbucks assistant turned love interest, Grace.

But it’s the big ensemble numbers, not to mention the colourful costumes and scenery, that make this the show it is – from You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile to A New Deal For Christmas, I defy you not to smile throughout.

One of the stars of the show is a five-year-old labradoodle called Amber as Annie’s dog Sandy. Never work with kids or animals they say... well this musical certainly defies this and it works.

A real summer treat.

■ Annie is at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff until Saturday, August 31. Call 029 20 63 6464