FOLLOWING a successful 80th anniversary dinner at the Belmore Hotel in Sale, attended by three past chairmen, Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre now present the popular musical, Annie “It’s a popular choice for our 80th production and so different from our first show, The Marriage Market," said Gill Bate, a chorus member.

"The children and dog who will steal the show. “We have a fantastic team of orphans.

“Annie will be played by 13-year-old Natalia Jacques from Middleton. She has appeared in shows before but this is her first leading role.”

A lovable dog, Labradoodle Lottie, will 'star' as Sandy.

“Lottie has been getting used to the girls but she is accustomed to children so there is no problem,” said Gill.

The orphans say hypocritically that they love Miss Hannigan and everyone will love the mean performance of Philippa Shellard in that role.

Peter Birch will play Daddy Warbucks. As a teacher he works well with young people.

The live band will be led by John G. Barry. “It is his first time with us,” said Gill.

“The stage version includes a scene which is not in the film. In a song, Hooverville, it targets President Herbert Hoover who presided during the Wall Street crash.

“The Director, Nick Angus, told me he had adopted a fresh approach to some of the iconic film portrayals, yet much of it was still recognisable,” said Gill.

* Annie is at the Waterside Arts Centre, Sale from Tuesday, November 8 – Saturday, November 12. For tickets, call 07504 771051 or 0161 865 0293. Also from samtheatre.co.uk.