Annie brings Gun – & Donovan – to Edinburgh

Midsummer dates for Irving Berlin musical at Playhouse

By Thom Dibdin

Jason Donovan and West End star Emma Williams are to feature in the new touring production of Annie Get Your Gun, which arrives at the Edinburgh Playhouse in June.

Donovan, who was recently in town with Priscilla Queen of the Desert, will play sharpshooter Frank Butler in this new production of the 1946 Irving Berlin musical.

He said: “I’ve been very lucky in having some great roles to get my teeth into in the past, but now having the chance to star in the UK premiere production of this award winning version of such a classic musical is very exciting.”

However Edinburgh audiences who want to see the ex-Neighbours star will have to take in the show midweek as Donovan will not be performing on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June.

Emma Williams, the twice Olivier nominated star of Chitty, Chitty, Bang Bang and Love Story, is to play Annie Oakley: the sharp-shooting country girl who joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. Norman Pace – best known as one half of the Hale and Pace comedy duo – will play Buffalo Bill.

The show features classic numbers such as There’s No Business Like Show Business and Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better, and tells the legendary story of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West female sharpshooter, Annie Oakley and her romance with fellow sharpshooter, Frank Butler.

When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show comes to town, it only takes one glance for sharp-shooting country girl Annie Oakley to fall head over heels for its star marksman, Frank Butler. Both have truly met their match, revealing their competitive natures as they vie for best shot – and each other’s hearts.

Williams said; “I’m thrilled to be playing the legendary Annie Oakley alongside Jason and Norman, and performing iconic songs such as Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better and You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun. Annie Oakley has been played by so many incredible actresses before that it’s a privilege to fill those cowgirl boots, and I couldn’t be more excited to be Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly!”

Norman Pace said; “I can’t wait to get out on the stage and play Buffalo Bill alongside Jason Donovan and Emma Williams, with a script and songs written by the legendary Irving Berlin. Even though it’s nearly 70 years since the show was first performed on Broadway, there’s still a real sense of fun and excitement to a timeless production that I’m very honoured to be a part of.”

Annie Get Your Gun
Edinburgh Playhouse,
Tue 17 – Sat 21 June 2014
Daily 7.30pm; Weds, Thurs, Sat matinee 2.30pm
Full details and tickets from www.atgtickets.com

ENDS

Tags: Annie Get Your Gun, Emma Williams, Jason Donovan, News, Norman Pace, Playhouse, Preview