After a month of rehearsals, two nights a week, the show is taking shape.

Annie is the story of an 11-year-old girl who escapes from an orphanage, run by the horrible Miss Hannigan, in order to find her parents. 

However she is caught and brought back to the orphanage.

As luck would have it the billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, has offered to take an orphan to his home for Christmas – and Annie makes sure she is the one.

They get on so well, and have had no luck finding her parents, that Oliver wants to adopt her – but she still thinks her parents are out there.

Warbucks offers to help and call in the FBI and his friend President Roosevelt. 

They offer a reward if the parents come forward – and of course many parents turn up.

Meanwhile Miss Hannigan’s no good brother and his girlfriend disguise themselves as the parents in order to claim the reward. They are caught out – and Warbucks can now adopt Annie.

The cast consists of 12 children – several who have been in the last two shows – two Annie’s and an adult cast of 22.

The leading part of Oliver Warbucks is played by newcomer Leigh Butt who has a fine tenor voice.

The tough Miss Hannigan is played by Kaelene Neville (the robust Mme Thenardier in Les Miserables) and Warbuck’s secretary is Sally Hosken. 

The two impish Annie’s are Madeline Wegmann and Eliza Butt – both with lovely voices.

Patrons will recognise many of the songs, particularly the theme song “Tomorrow”.

More will be revealed about other characters and songs later.

The show will be on the last two weekends in May and this time we have two Sunday matinees.