'Birds of a Feather' star to fly in for lead 'Annie' role

One of television’s best known actresses is to play a leading role in the hit musical Annie when it takes to the stage of the Millennium Forum in Derry next month. Lesley Joseph (pictured), best known for playing ‘Dorien Green’ in the hugely successful sitcom “Birds of a Feather” alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson, is to star as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan when returns to the city for a five-night run. Joseph is joined by Alex Bourne as ‘Oliver Warbucks’, Holly Dale Spencer as ‘Grace Farrell’, Jonny Fines as ‘Rooster’ and Djalenga Scott as ‘Lily’. While role of Annie has yet to be confirmed, 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. 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 Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow. Don’t miss Annie – you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it! Annie The Musical returns to the Millennium Forum from Tuesday 23rd until Saturday 27th February. Tickets are now available from the Box Office and are priced from £19.50. Telephone 02871 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.