Talented kids set to shine in lively musical

Mar 13 2008 By Caireen Kelly

HAMILTON District Youth Theatre are preparing for their forthcoming performance of the hugely popular musical Annie.

The colourful production tells the story of an orphan who wins the heart of multi-billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, after he attempts to help her track down her real parents.

The amateur drama group will host three shows at Hamilton Town House between March 21 and 22.

Annie is being played by 10-year-old Erin Duffy from Cambuslang.

Erin, who attends St Joseph’s Primary School in Blantyre, said: “It’s great having everyone else on stage with me most of the time and nice to have that support especially because I am new to this.

“It’s good fun to play Annie but it does get annoying having to smile all the time.

“Annie can be pretty feisty when she wants to be and I know how to stand up for myself too, but unlike Annie, I am not a tomboy.”

Miss Hannigan will be played by 18-year-old Nicole Grant, from High Earnock, who became involved in musical theatre two or three years ago through friends.

Nicole said: “I always get nervous before any show but it’s how you control the nerves that matters. Once you lose the nerves, I think you have lost the enthusiasm for performing.

“I am very grateful to the Hamilton District Youth Theatre for giving me such a great grounding.”

Stuart Love (17), from High Earnock, who plays Oliver Warbucks, is a youth theatre ‘veteran’ having been with the company for nine years.

Speaking of his latest role, Stuart explained: “He starts out as a suave and sophisticated businessman who begins to melt as he finds out more about this little girl.

“Erin is an adorable little girl so in that sense it was easy for me to act the part.”

Stuart added that the hardest part of playing his character has been learning to speak in an American accent.

The cast of 85 are being directed by Steve Mann. Chris Wilson is in charge of choreography and Louise Ironside is musical director of the show.

HDYT chairman Bill Austin said: “We are very lucky to have Steve, Chris, and Louise on board.

“When an artistic team gel well it really makes a difference to the performance.

“The standards are being raised this year and we are very lucky to get the Town House as a venue. The children have shown an exceptional level of commitment and enthusiasm for this project.”

Tickets are priced at £7.50/£5.50, party rates are available for groups of 20 or more and £4.50 for the Saturday matinee, available from the box office on 01698 452 299.