The world's favourite orphan, Annie, is coming to the Beck Theatre courtesy of the Uxbridge and District Musical and Dramatic Society.

For the adaptation of the popular musical, which has been reducing sentimental audiences to tears since it first hit New York in 1977, the society had to recruit 32 local children for the famous orphanage scenes and even a real dog to play Sandy!

"Everybody says you shouldn't work with animals and children, but we're doing both!" says society member Pat McAlpine.

"The dog is called Molly and she's a year old. This is her debut role and she's been training for a month.

"She's been very well-behaved so far, so fingers crossed for the real thing!"

The Uxbridge and District Musical and Dramatic Society puts on two productions a year in May and November and rehearses on Tuesdays from 8pm to 10pm.

If you'd like to get involved in the next production call the secretary, Sheila Leach, on 01895 236432.

The Uxbridge and District Musical and Dramatic Society presents Annie at the Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes from Tuesday November 6 to Saturday November 10.

Performances are at 7.45pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets, which are £10.50 with concessions and matinee tickets at £8.50, are available from Ann Young on 01895 672289 or from the Beck Theatre box office on 8561 8371.