Smile, cry, laugh and sing as the hit musical Annie takes to the stage

Farnworth Performing Arts are bring the much loved show to the newly refurbished Albert Halls from Wednesday, April 18 until Saturday, April 21 — the first amateur musical society in the area to the return to the new look venue.

It is the company's — know for staging grand musical productions — first show in recent years. And the cast have received a good luck message from

from Miranda Hart who enjoyed success in her performance as Miss Hannigan in the London production of Annie.

Sandra Blyth, production co-ordinator at Farnworth Performing Arts said: "Due to the closure of the Albert Halls it is four years since Farnworth last presented a musical, Carousel in 2014. Rehearsals are well underway for Annie.

"No other venue in the Bolton area can compare to the splendour of the Albert Halls and the cast are thrilled at the prospect of returning with this fantastic musical.

" The ‘orphans’ are aged from six years to 15 years and it is wonderful to see such talented youngsters working so hard and enjoying rehearsals.

"They are very excited to have the opportunity of performing in such a venue."

Emilia Parkinson will play Annie and Stanley the dog will play the role of Sandy the dog.

Audiences can enjoy the popular songs from the show including It’s a Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow, and Easy Street.

The company was formed in 1930 as the Farnworth Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society.

Its first show was Miss Hook of Holland at the Ritz Theatre in Farnworth.

The team moved to the moved to the Albert Halls in 1986 with The King and I.

Their next production is described as "a lavish musical production with professional staging and costumes".

Tickets available from the Society Box Office on 07808 733878 or online at stagestubs.com.