It has been announced today that the actress will play Miss Hannigan when the musical heads to the West End.
Following a successful UK tour, it has been announced Nikolai Foster’s production will play at the Piccadilly Theatre from the 23rd May, following the departure of Jersey Boys from the theatre.
Considered to be a firm Broadway favourite, Annie features a book by Thomas Meehan adapted from the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. It originally opened on Broadway in 1977, going on to win seven Tony awards including Best Musical.
This new adaptation features set and costume designs by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
The musical features the well known and loved songs ‘Tomorrow’, ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Easy Street’.
Miranda Hart is best known for having written and starred in her hit BBC sitcom Miranda and has been nominated for a BAFTA, an NTA Award and two TV Choice Awards for her performance as Chummy in the BBC television drama Call the Midwife. She will be appearing in Annie until the 17th September 2017.
Talking about the news the actress said: “Miss Hannigan is a dream role, and certainly has been for me, but I never thought it would be a reality. But here we are and I have a newly found musical theatre-esque spring in my step! I hope people will leave the theatre feeling life is a little better and dreamier and jollier after watching it, as much as we feel that performing it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some leg-warmers to put on…”
Annie will open for previews on the 23rd May and is currently booking at the Piccadilly Theatre until January 2018. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk and ATG Tickets.