Miranda Hart makes West End debut in Annie at the Piccadilly Theatre

Miranda Hart to star in new West End production of Annie.

It has been announced that comedy writer, actor and author Miranda Hart, will make her West End Theatre debut as 'Miss Hannigan' in a new West End production of Annie the Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre, beginning previews on 23 May 2017 with an official opening on 5 June, initially booking to 6 January 2018.

One of the most loved Broadway musical, Annie features a book by Thomas Meehan adapted from the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. This new West End production is directed by Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director of the Curve, and will feature sets and costumes by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and orchestration and musical direction by George Dyer.

"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. Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie's search for her true family..."

Miranda Hart said of the news: "Miss Hannigan is a dream role, and certainly has been for me, but I never thought it would be a reality. But here we are and I have a newly found musical theatre-esque spring in my step! I hope people will leave the theatre feeling life is a little better and dreamier and jollier after watching it, as much as we feel that performing it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some leg-warmers to put on..."

Annie originally opened on Broadway in 1977 and went on to win seven Tony awards including the Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. The last West End production of Annie opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 1998 and starred Paul O'Grady in the role of Miss Hannigan. The musical was adapted into a film in 1982 starring Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters and Albert Finney and again in 2014 in an updated version that starred Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx. The celebrated score to the musical features the songs "It's A Hard Knock Life", "Maybe", "Tomorrow" and "Easy Street".

Miranda Hart is best known on television for her BBC sitcom Miranda which ran from 2009 for 3 series and 2 specials. She was the recipient of a BAFTA nomination, an NTA Award and two TV Choice Awards for her performance as Chummy in the BBC television drama 'Call the Midwife'.

Miranda Hart will be performing the role of Miss Hannigan until 17 September 2017.

Further casting for the production is to be announced.