THE cast of an academy production has put paid to the advice to never work with children and animals after both students and a canine character put in star performances.
Students at The King's Academy, in Coulby Newham, took on the demanding musical Annie Jr for their annual show.
A cast of 40, plus many more working behind the scenes with staff on sound, lighting, set and costume, played to packed houses for four nights.
Year 8 student Lydia Peverell, 12, of Marton, took on her first leading role as Annie, the orphan who suffers at the hands of Miss Hannigan, played by Kirsty Gosnay, 16, and is adopted by billionaire businessman Oliver Warbucks, played by Cameron Nunn, 16.
Lydia, who has another performance next week in the All England dance competition in Manchester, said: "I played Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at my dance school but this is my first main role.
"I found out I'd got the part before the summer holidays so I started practising then. Learning the songs was quite easy but the lines were hard. I watched the film to help me learn about Annie's personality - she's very energetic and she always gets what she wants."
Despite the children's talent, another actor making his debut threatened to steal the show – Yorkshire terrier Harold, who took on the role of Sandy.
Performing arts teacher and co-director Eddie Jones explained: "He belongs to a friend of mine, Nick Holmes, and he's the kind of dog everyone wants, he's so laid back. He came to rehearsals and has been chauffeured to and from the academy so I think he's enjoyed being a star."
Other main roles in the musical, which is set in 1930s New York City, were taken by Katie Duffy, 16, as Grace Farrell, Josh Omri, 15, as Rooster and Rebecca McClelland, 17, as Lily.
The orphans were Megan Hughes, 14, Laura Donnelly, 14, Alex McClelland, 14, Eve Smith, 15, Alicia Glasgow, 12, and Kendle Hill, 12, with Ryan Clark, 13, as Lieutenant Ward and Drake, Jack Duffield, 13, as Bert Healy and Joseph Donnelly, 16, as Bundles and President Roosevelt.
Mr Jones co-directed and co-choreographed the show with head of performing arts Danielle Dodsworth and the musical director was Eleanor Walker.
Thanking the cast and crew, the directors said: “Annie Jr was a fantastic showcase opportunity for the extremely talented and dedicated students we have the privilege to work with every day. Every student worked incredibly hard; for some, it was their first performance in front of an audience.”
