EASTENDERS legend Anita Dobson stars in the family musical Annie when it returns to Bradford Alhambra from April 22 to 27.

She will play Miss Hannigan, nefarious boss of the orphanage where ever-optimistic orphan Annie dreams of finding her long-lost family.

Faye Katsande, Ava Smith and Freya Yates will share the title role alongside three rotating teams of young performers playing her fellow orphans.

As Angie Watts in EastEnders, Anita Dobson created one of the most popular characters in television winning numerous awards.

Her West End theatre credits include Madame Morrible in Wicked, Mama Morton in Chicago, Mrs Meers in Thoroughly Modern Mille, Chris in Calendar Girls, Joan Crawford in Bette and Joan, and Nancy in Frozen at the National Theatre for which she was nominated for an Olivier, Evening Standard and London Critics Award.

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.

Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…

Joining Anita Dobson will be Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, Jenny Gayner as Lily and Carolyn Maitland as Grace Farrell.

Alex Bourne reprises his performance as Oliver Warbucks after playing the role in this production of Annie in the West End, Toronto and on the 2015/16 tour.

Visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000.