Sitcom star Lesley Joseph takes on a wicked role in Annie at Theatre Royal

Spokesperson Rachel Knowles said: “Sales for this favourite family musical have been particularly strong, with an extra matinée added on Wednesday to meet high demand.

“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.

“Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

“Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search.

“With its award-winning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

“Lesley Joseph is best known for playing Dorien Green in the hugely successful sitcom Birds of a Feather alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. They recorded more than 100 episodes over a period of nine years. Lesley and her co-stars returned to our screens in Birds of a Feather in 2013, with a second series airing earlier this year.

“Lesley’s theatre credits include Miss Hannigan in Annie at the West End’s Victoria Palace and also on national tour. Her other touring credits include Calendar Girls and Hot Flush!”

Lesley is joined by Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, Holly Dale Spencer as Grace Farrell, Jonny Fines as Rooster and Djalenga Scott as Lily.

The company also includes: James Alan-Evans, Lewis Bradley, Nic Gibney, Sinead Kenny, Michael Lin, Alice Liveing, Megan Louch, Callum McArdle, Benjamin Mundy, Steven Oliver, Heather Scott-Martin, Anne Smith and Kate Somerset How.

Annie is directed by Nikolai Foster, with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker.

Evening performances start at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton or call 0844 871 7650 (booking fees apply).

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