Richard Lander School’s production of the hit musical Annie was a spectacular display of song, dance and acting. With over 200 students involved in the band, cast, making scenery and costumes, make up, set design and technical support, each audience was treated to an exciting, professional and energetic performance. With the involvement of a real dog, the show also had a delightful unpredictability about it.

Lucy Charleston, head of creative arts at Richard Lander School, said: "Our music teacher first made the suggestion to perform Annie as our school play this year and we all had fond memories of watching the film with our respective children. So casting began and we had a huge job on our hands with so many talented singers and dancers at Richard Lander School.

"We decided to cast two Annies, which worked well as the girls Saffron Elliot and Caitlin Shaw are in year seven and year eight so they had a night off to rest up. The creative arts department went straight to work to design our fabulous set with a New York back drop, chandeliers to be lowered for the Warbucks mansion and even light boxes to illuminate the street signs at night. As ever this was a super collaborative process with music leading the production band under Mrs Whomersley’s direction and Miss Jones coaching the singers. The cast of over 100 students were put through their paces by choreographer Millie Light and the drama department's Amy Nortje and Lucy Charleston directed the acting scenes.

"The cast performed to sell out shows every night. The whole process of being involved in a school production teaches students to rely on one another as they learn their parts and commit to rehearsals. It is certainly a tough discipline to act, sing and dance at the same time in front of a live audience. Whether they were back stage or on stage, we hope it is an experience the students will never forget."