SET in 1933 against the backdrop of the great Depression brought about by the Wall Street crash of 1929, the Parish Players are exploring the American politics of that time, in particular the role of Franklin D Roosevelt (cast by Richard Newley), who had just been elected President of the United States.

Despite suffering polio as a young man and being confined to a wheelchair, he brought his persistent optimism to bear as he set about renewing his country. As part of the storyline, Annie helps him to inspire his cabinet with her iconic signature song “Tomorrow”. The role of Annie is shared by dedicated eleven year olds Niamh McBride and Aggie Barnes. Annie’s orphan companions are played by Olveston children and a few from outlying villages: Isobel Lambie is thrilled to be cast as Molly, the youngest orphan. Billionaire ‘Daddy’ Warbucks, played by Phil Savage, adopts Annie and rescues her friends from the machinations of the scheming Matron, Miss Hannigan, cast by experienced newcomer Sian McBride. Her jailbird brother Rooster and dizzy girlfriend Lily St Regis are cast by Ray hale and Amy Sunderland. They have their masquerading plans as Annie’s long-lost parents thwarted by Grace Farrell, Warbucks’ loyal secretary and future ‘mother’ to Annie, played by Lesley Clarke. Mike Belsten is cast as Drake, Warbucks’ stalwart English butler.

There are lots of cameos and most of the Company, including new members, are multi-roled. Chloe Allsopp-Jones, as Musical Director, is in charge of the memorable music such as “Maybe”, “Tomorrow”, “Think I’m goin’ to like it here”, “NYC”, “Easy Street”, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile” and “I don’t need anything else but you”. Jill Harris as the Choreographer is enjoying working with the eager orphans and Linda Evans is working hard to pull everything together for this delightful family show being presented by Parish players in February half term.

Keith Richards, Brian Brown and Rod Williams are already burning the midnight oil to create the contrasting sets from poverty to opulence with Mike Chappel making his debut as Stage Manager.

Performances of “Annie” by the Parish Players take place nightly at 7.30pm from Wednesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 13. Best to write it in diaries and on calendars now!

Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, January 9 in Olveston Stores.