IT wasn’t until David Kirk, currently directing the Guiseley AOS forthcoming production of Annie, was asked how many musicals and plays he had directed, that he sat down and counted them up. He then realised that this famous Broadway musical is actually his centenary production!

Aireborough theatre goers will be familiar with David’s productions over the last 35 years, the vast majority of these staged at Ilkley Playhouse, Yeadon Town Hall and Guiseley Theatre. Over this period, the quality of amateur theatre has risen so much that every production has to be meticulously planned and staged. In addition, the costs of this staging have gone through the rood so ticket prices have also had to rise. David explained:

“Ticket prices have to cover the very high costs of a production – a musical often costs in excess of £25,000 to stage. It is therefore imperative that every principal performer and member of the ensemble must be of the highest quality. Our audiences have a right to expect professional standards for the price of their ticket. Over the years, I have been so fortunate to work with actors who deliver brilliant performances and Annie is no exception. The kids are simply superb – all of them – plus we have fantastic principals and a wonderful ensemble. We have looked carefully at how this show is still relevant to today and tried to bring this out in our production. I am sure audiences will love it.”

In his 100 productions, David has also directed numerous productions at Bradford Alhambra, Wakefield Theatre Royal, Leeds City Varieties and Sheffield Lyceum. Three of these shows also transferred to the Waterford Opera House, Buxton Opera House and the outdoor Minack Theatre in Cornwall. David said: “I have been so lucky to work at all those beautiful theatres. Even more importantly - although this hobby is hard work, I have made some fantastic, long-lasting friendships”.

This production of Annie runs at Guiseley Theatre from Monday 14 to Saturday 19 October. Tickets are selling fast and some performances are already sold out! Seats can be booked on line at www.gaos.co.uk or by telephone on 07960 604082.

As well as directing, David is also an accomplished actor and, straight after Annie, he appears in Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular at Bingley Little Theatre then going on to play the coveted role of ‘Professor Higgins’ in the LAOS production of My Fair Lady at Leeds Grand Theatre.