The heart-warming story of an orphan girl and her faithful dog returns to Bradford this summer.

From its Broadway beginnings to the much-loved film version, the rags-to-riches story of Annie’s adventures from a New York orphanage to the luxurious home of Oliver Warbucks has charmed audiences across the world.

Annie started life as American comic strip Little Orphan Annie in the Chicago Tribune in 1924. The show was staged on Broadway in 1976 and, with a lively score including It’s A Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow, has been a family favourite ever since.

Su Pollard (pictured) reprises her role as dastardly, gin-soaked Miss Hannigan, who runs the orphanage – mostly into the ground. “The show is larger than life, it's like panto, really,” says Su. “Annie is like Cinderella and Miss Hannigan is the Wicked Queen. It’s about triumph over misery.”

Miss Hannigan's shoes have been filled by the likes of Lily Savage and Su’s Hi-de-Hi stablemate Ruth Madoc.

Su insists that despite being a bad-tempered old drunk, who treats the orphans in her care like slaves, Miss Hannigan does have redeeming features.

“I don't think she’s that bad, she’s just desperate. This was the Great Depression, when people resorted to desperate measures,” says Su. * Annie runs at the Alhambra from September 6 to 10. For tickets, ring (01274) 432000.