Ella’s happy as Annie
FOR this Annie, it’s anything but a hard knock life. Eleven-year-old Ella Newborough is celebrating her lead role in Reading Operatic Society’s latest production.
She is one of a number of talented children who form much of the cast of the ever-popular rags to riches tale of a little orphan girl and the trials and tribulations of reuniting her with a secret fortune.
The group were rehearsing at Earley St Peter’s church hall on Sunday when The Wokingham Paper caught up with the star of the show.
Young Ella was bitten by the stage bug after her parents took her to see a musical in London. The bright lights, the grease paint and, well, the music entranced her and she has never looked back.
“When I was in Year Three I went to see Mamma Mia in the West End, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” she said. So she did, and roles in Jesus Christ Superstar and another production of Annie followed.
“Annie was two years ago,” she said. “I know the songs – Together is my favourite – and I really like the show.
“It’s great to be part of Reading Operatic Society. I enjoy singing and dancing and I’m enjoying working with the other kids. Line learning hasn’t been too bad as I’ve been in Annie before.”
For now though, Ella is excited as the show comes together - it’s performed at the Kenton Theatre in Henley from Wednesday, September 26 to Saturday, August 29.
Tickets are selling fast, with the Saturday matinee – which is in aid of Mencap – already sold out.
“I’m looking forward to performing on the stage,” she said. “I’m a little bit nervous, but I’ve done it before. Lots of my friends will be coming to watch it.”
And Ella hopes you’ll be there too. Annie is performed at The Kenton Theatre in Henley from Wednesday, September 26 to Saturday, September 29 with shows at 7.30pm nightly and a sold-out Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £19 or £17 for concessions. For more details, log on to kentontheatre.co.uk or call 01491 575698 weekdays from 11am to 3pm or 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.
For more on the society, log on to www.readingops.co.uk