Friday, 5 September 2014

Annie Get Your Gun - New Wimbledon Theatre




WHEN Emma Williams got the part of Annie Oakley in the touring production of Annie Get Your Gun she didn't realise it would result in her learning a whole new set of skills.
The actress, who stars alongside Jason Donovan and Norman Pace in the show, not only had to perfect her mid west American accent, she also had to master using a trapeze and says it had unexpected benefits.
"It was quite scary to begin with," she admits. "I didn't know it was going to be a feature of the show when we started but it's actually helped conquer my fear of heights.
"I got really into it and it was brilliant to learn all those tricks and stunts!"
Stunts aside Emma says playing the part of Annie has been "a dream come true" and says she will be sad to leave the character behind when the run finishes at the New Wimbledon Theatre this week.
"It's every actresses dream to play a role like this and I'm no different," she laughs. "She's feisty, go getting, determined and a lot of fun. She also develops and changes over the course of the show so a fantastic part to play.
"She's also been played by so many incredible actresses before so it's a privilege to fill her cowgirl boots."
For those unfamiliar with the story, Annie Get Your Gun is about Buffalo Bill’s Wild West female ace 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 country girl Annie to fall head over heels for its star marksman, Frank Butler.
But there are many twists and turns along the way proving that the path to true love doesn't run so smooth.
And it features some classic Irving Berlin musical numbers including Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better, You Can't Get A Man With A Gun and Doin' What Comes Natur'lly!
"I've loved every minute of it," says Emma. "It's been the most magical and joyful production and we've all become like one big family and to play alongside Jason and Norman has been a dream.
"It's such a great love story, great fun with lots going on and audiences have been really generous in their responses - most of them singing along to all the songs which has been fantastic - so I will miss playing Annie when we finish the run.
"However I'm so looking forward to bringing the show to Wimbledon - I love the theatre - it's got such character and charm and the audiences there are always great so I'm sure we'll go out with a bang!"


Annie Get Your Gun is on at the New Wimbledon Theatre from tonight (Tuesday) until Saturday, September 13. Tickets cost from £10.50. Visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre/ or call the box office on 0844 871 7646  

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