After almost half a century, John is hanging up his spurs as Director of the annual musical to devote more time to other areas of Playgoers Riverhead Theatre.


It's fitting that the part of Annie played by his wife and fellow Playgoer, Maureen in 1982, is being filled by daughter Pippa Molloy this time around. Theatre, it seems, gets into the blood.


Pippa has graced the stage in many a musical, as has Scott Royle who is playing Frank Butler, before going off to study at a top London drama school in September.


Musical Director, Tom Carradine, heads up a full orchestra and, with a 60+ cast and the support of 25 backstage, this promises to be a show to remember.


So here's the story.


Back in the days when men were men and women didn't argue…when women got the dinner, not the vote… those were the days when a girl aimed to please - not to beat the sharp shooter she was hankering after!


That is, until Annie Oakley came along.


Truth is, inside, Annie's all woman, but her tomboy exterior - and the fact that she can handle a pistol, a rifle and a shotgun better than any man - proves a real barrier to true love. She sets her sights on Frank, but it seems she's never gonna win him over "Doin to' What Comes Natur'lly", 'cos everyone knows "You Can't Get A Man With A Gun"!


Annie's extraordinary talent is quickly spotted by Buffalo Bill (Tony Blackmore) and she joins Frank in the spectacular Wild West Show where she quickly finds out that "There's No Business Like Show Business". Annie's one popular gal and the admiration of Chief Sitting Bull (Jim Walpole) bruises Frank's male ego, driving the gun toting love birds apart again. Aw, shame. Just as they were getting friendly, too.


Things get worse before they get better, but Annie is canny! Well, she's a woman, ain't she? And where there's a woman, there's a way, so you can bet your bottom dollar there'll be a wedding sometime soon! Why not get up a posse and ride on down to the Box Office, Riverhead Theatre, git yourselves some tickets before they all sell out!




Performances: 7.30pm Wednesday 14th – Saturday 24th May (no show Sunday 18th).


Box Office Tel: 01507 600350 Mon – Sat 10.00am – 1.00pm


For more information, go to www.louthplaygoers.co.uk.