EVERYONE’S favourite stage orphan gave her production a head start when she ensured her co-star had a really close shave.

Kiera Leaper, 12, who will play Annie in the New Earswick Musical Society’s production, shaved the head of Daddy Warbucks – BBC Radio York presenter Dougie Weake – overseen by fellow cast member and professional hairdresser Colin Dearlove.

Dougie will wear a baseball cap to keep his head warm until the play starts with a matinee at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre at 2.30pm on Wednesday. It runs until Saturday.

It is the fifth time Dougie has played the role, and he had particular praise for his young co-star.

He said: “She is absolutely superb and a natural actress. There are moments in the production, like when she sings a solo about wanting to find a mother and father, that's so believable it brings a lump to my throat.”

Tickets cost £12 from Mrs S Waft, on 01904 768182, or the York Theatre Royal box office on 01904 623568.