Am Dram Star of the Week Claire Jackson from Kinver Light Operatic Society to star as Miss Hannigan in Annie

A long-standing member of the group, Claire has played a host of principal parts including Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, the lion on the Wizard of Oz and many panto comedy leads, but it seems this one is her dream role.

“I am so excited to be playing the iconic role of Miss Hannigan and hope I can bring this character to life,” says Claire.

“It has been a challenge for me. I have done some research, but not drinking lots and shouting at children!” Claire laughs. “I love her comical side but I also love her wickedly sharp tongue and underneath it all, her vulnerability.”

“She is looking for love, although doesn’t care where it comes from, as long as it gets her out of that place! I have the feeling she started out with such hopes and dreams. I blame those rotten orphans.”

They say never work with animals and children and Annie the Musical has both! How has Claire got on then?

“I absolutely love working alongside the children who play the orphans. I start out most rehearsals apologising to them for being so awful on stage. I stand in the wings and marvel at how easy they make it look,” she says.

Taking on a role of this size is a huge responsibility and as we know, understudies in am dram are very rare! How does Claire feel about going it alone?

“I’ve never known any different so it’s not something I’ve thought about. I do feel a responsibility to the audience to make sure we do our utmost to give them a show to remember though. After all, without the audience we have no show. I must admit once I’m in costume my performance goes up a level, but it’s having the audience in front of me that really makes my character come to life,” says Claire.

Rehearsing and then performing a show over a period of around six months is a wonderful process as you see it grow and grow, but once it is over, the post-show blues often hit. Does Claire suffer?

“Yes, I do get post show blues, but KLOS has a very active social committee, of which I am part of.

Well, I am sure the panto and the role of Miss Hannigan will be in safe hands Claire. Enjoy the show and I look forward to seeing what next year holds for you.