Hartismere School has once again triumphed with its sensational musical, Annie, which brought an unfamiliar but admirably old-school sense to the stage.

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Lois Nicholson as Annie demonstrated rare and effortless talent with her trademark mischievous grin and red pigtails.

Presenting an opportunity to showcase the school's older talents, including Maddy Gray and Bryony Horobin as Miss Hannigan, Kate Horobin as Grace and Will Draper as Oliver Warbucks, the musical follows the heart-warming journey of a young orphan whose life is changed when she is adopted by a billionaire.

In spite of the dominance of snow prior to the performances, Hartismere's 'Snow Team' remained undeterred and quickly cleared the entrance to the school.

Over four nights the show attracted well over a thousand members of the public, a success representative of the countless hours staff and students have spent rehearsing the intricacies of the show.

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Energy and charisma dominated the performances and built a distinctly feel-good atmosphere.

Audiences credited the seamless choreography and vocals in chorus numbers, as well as captivating set design, featuring a revolving stage and, of course, the courage shown by Annie's dog, Sandy.

A trip to see the West End show in January proved popular with the cast and an opportunity to see how the professionals do it.

Hartismere's production proves that 'amateurs' can achieve the same standards as professionals, as evidenced by the dedication shown by cast, staff and backstage.

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

For a large proportion of the cast, Annie has marked a memorable final high school production, an opportunity to form new friendships and the scope to develop as a performer.

Bryony Horobin as Miss Hannigan, Christian Scales as Rooster Hannigan, and Louis Whitley as Drake, are just some of the exceptional actors who will be sorely missed next year.

From the majesty of Les Miserables in 2016 to the vibrant Zorro last year, staff are now faced with the difficult decision in selecting next year's production.

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)

Eastern Daily Press: Hartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere SchoolHartismere School's production of Annie the Musical. Picture: Hartismere School (Image: Hartismere School)