Annabel van Griethuysen’s Miss Hannigan in York Light Opera Company’s Annie. Picture: Matthew Kitchen Photography
YORK Light Opera Company will stage Annie for the first time in 25 years at York Theatre Royal from February 12 to 21 under the direction of Martyn Knight.
This heart-warming tale of hope, family, and second chances with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan is packed with such knockout songs as Tomorrow, Hard Knock Life and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.
Expect dazzling choreography, stunning costumes and a full live band, alongside a stellar cast of York talent, led by Annabel van Griethuysen as Miss Hannigan after her forgetful but unforgettable Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense: The Musical at Theatre@41, Monkgate, in Summer 2024 and hostess Marlene Cabana in Eurobeat: Pride Of Europe at the same theatre last summer.
Joining Annabel in the cast of 38 others will be Harriet Wells and Hope Day, sharing the role of Annie, Neil Wood as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, Sarah Craggs as Grace Farrell, Martin Lay as Rooster and Chloe Jones as Lily St Regis.
Annie at the double: Hope Day, left, and Harriet Wells sharing the title role in Annie. Picture: Matthew Kitchen Photography
Neil Wood’s Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks and Sarah Craggs’s Grace Farrell in York Light Opera Company’s Annie. Picture: Matthew Kitchen Photography
Assistant director Kathryn Addison says: “This production of Annie places special emphasis on the young performers who are the soul of the show. Through the casting process, the orphan casting for two teams of young people was developed first, fostering strong connections, confidence and ensemble storytelling before the final roles were assigned.
“Our energetic cast of young performers are joined by experienced adult performers and a creative team committed to storytelling. Annie promises to deliver a heartfelt and joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.”
York Light Opera Company in Annie, York Theatre Royal, February 12 to 21, 7.30pm, except February 15 and 16; February 14, 15 and 21, 2.30pm; February 19, 2pm. The February 17 show will be British Sign Language Interpreted. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
Back row: left to right, Olivia Watts, Rose Hirst, Phoebe Ellis, Emilia Heward, Sophie Helme, Elizabeth Reece and Lottie Barnes; middle row, Eliza Clarke, Eleanor Powell, Meredith Clarke, Belle Sturdy-Flannery, Bea Wells, Perdie Rolfe and Leonore Thornton; front row, kneeling, Olive Connolly, Hope Day, Harriet Wells, Emilia Cole. Picture: Matthew Kitchen Photography