Island Performers Star In Annie As Portsmouth Show Nears Final Day

Jessie and Franki

Three young performers from the Isle of Wight have been taking to the stage this week in the classic musical Annie at New Theatre Royal.

Jessie Hookey, 12, is playing the lead role of Annie, alongside fellow Island performers Franki Mackness-Foster, 14, and Amelia O’Neill.

The trio successfully auditioned for the production late last year and have been performing at the historic Portsmouth theatre since Wednesday.

The show runs until tomorrow (Saturday 7th March).

Jessie and Franki have been supported by The Bay CE Secondary School, which has helped them balance their studies alongside a busy rehearsal schedule.

Speaking about landing the lead role, Jessie said:

“I still can’t believe out of all the children who auditioned, I got the part of Annie.

"I have absolutely loved the whole experience and meeting everyone. I can’t wait to tell the story of Annie.”

Jessie first discovered her passion for performing while attending Newchurch Primary School before joining local theatre groups Spotlight and Curtain Call.

She has also appeared in several productions with Island Savoyards, including Shrek The Musical where she played Young Fiona, The Sound of Music where she played Marta, and a previous Island production of Annie where she appeared as Tessie.

Franki also secured a role following a competitive audition process involving dozens of performers.

She said around 30 to 40 young people aged between 13 and 18 auditioned on the same day, with additional auditions taking place on another day for the same age group.

“I found out about the auditions after my mum sent me the link,” Franki said.

“I wasn’t planning to audition at first, but because I really enjoyed doing Annie on the Island, I decided to go for it.”

Around five or six performers from the Isle of Wight auditioned, with three successfully securing roles in the production.

Franki is also an experienced stage performer, having previously appeared in shows including Bugsy Malone, Legally Blonde The Musical and The Addams Family, along with a number of other productions across the Island.

In the current production she is multi-rolling five characters, including Cecile, Sophie and Ickes.

The much-loved musical Annie tells the story of a brave young orphan whose optimism helps her overcome challenges while searching for a better life.

The show continues at New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth until tomorrow (Saturday), with tickets starting from £16.