THE plot of Annie may look on paper both totally implausible and gruesomely sentimental, but on the Alban Arena's stage it furnishes some superb entertainment.

It is, to say the least, unlikely that an 11-year-old girl from a New York orphanage would capture the affections of a billionaire industrialist.

And somehow I don't think the notion that her pure-hearted optimism inspired Franklin Roosevelt's 1930s economic policies is a reliably sourced historical fact.

But however foolish it sounds, I am not ashamed to say that when president, cabinet and orphan burst into a hearty rendition of the show's best song Tomorrow, I felt a pricking in my eyes.

This excellent production of the 1977 Broadway musical features some terrific dance routines, and stand-out performances in the leading roles.

Ruth Madoc as Miss Hannigan, the dipso manageress of the orphanage, was a convincing comic villainess, capturing the stage whenever she was on it.

Playing Annie was Brook Wright, a terrifically talented youngster with a really strong voice, light on her feet and with an authentic-sounding New York accent.

Musically, many of the highlights were provided by the rich baritone of David McAlister as Oliver Warbucks, the billionaire who adopts her.

But the high standards were maintained by the whole cast, and I found some of the well co-ordinated dancing entrancing.

If I have a criticism of this richly entertaining production, it is that some of the humour in the script was unfortunately lost through unclear diction.