Featuring not only some of the most famous songs of any musicals, but also one of most iconic and recognisable characters to lead a show, the all-local production of Annie hits the Gaiety stage next weekend.

Produced by the local theatre company Centre Stage Productions in associations with the Manx Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Annie opens at the Gaiety on Saturday, October 9 running through to Saturday, October 16.

The well-known stage and film musical is based around little orphan Annie, who stands out from the crowd of other orphans thanks to her shock of red hair and general positive outlook on life.

Refusing to be beaten down by the cruel owners of the orphanage, she searches for her parents in 1930s America, to a stirring soundtrack of famous songs, including ’Tomorrow’, ’It’s a Hard Knock Life’ and ’Easy Street’.

The task of playing the iconic role of Annie has been handed to two talented young Manx actors, 13-year old Eloise Barnes and 10-year-old Lowenna Joughin.

Leading an entire musical production, with the spotlight constantly on them, and with such familiar and well-known songs to sing is quite a responsibility for two actors of such a young age to bear.

However, director Tony Finnegan believes that his young stars are more than capable of standing in the spotlight and commanding the stage.

’The two girls who we have leading the show are both great and quite different from each other,’ said Tony.

’Leading a show like this is a big responsibility to be dropped to the shoulders of one so young. You want someone who is a little older but looks young, and can cope with the pressure of being the lead character.

’But, during the rehearsals, I just fell for these two girls who I knew would be perfect. Lowenna Joughin I already knew from When I directed "The Sound of Music".

’She was one of the dancing puppets from the show a couple of years ago but I kind-of had her picked out because she had a lot about her. She had an old head on her shoulders and I just knew that she would be able to handle the responsibility.

’Eloise is a little older and taller than Lowenna, and she is a different kettle of fish altogether. I had to direct her in a completely different way.’

Having two different people taking turns in leading the show threw up some interesting challenges for Tony and the cast.

’As a character, Annie can be played in many different ways,’ he said

’She is not the oldest kid in the group, or the youngest, so that gives her the ability to be few different things at once. She can be that bit more grown up and very knowing, or she can be wide-eyed and innocent, and have things fall into her lap.

’Each of the girls playing Annie played her in a completely different way, and each style has an effect on how the play comes out.

’The cast as well have to react differently to each girl, too, which really keeps everyone on their toes.

’Their lines have to be said with different inflections and reactions. It has made putting this show together very interesting indeed and a very enjoyable experience.’

Tony believes that the story of Annie is one of the classic stories of modern times and contains many themes and messages that people will be able to relate to in the current times.

’Annie is one of those classic shows,’ he said.

’It has a wonderful, endearing storyline about a child seeing the positives and believing in a better future. She just doesn’t give up.

’It is hopeful and uplifting and the overall theme of good things emerging from the bad obviously has a resonance in today’s circumstances.’

Tickets for ’Annie’ are priced from £24, with £22 for seniors and £16 for children, available from Villa Gaiety box office, on 600555, or online from villagaiety.com