WINSFORD Civic Hall is to become the Wild West in a few weeks' time when Sharon Cassidy steps into the shoes of world famous markswoman Annie Oakley.

Sharon, of Marbury Road, Northwich, is joining a cast of 40 to take the star role in a Vale Royal Amateur Operatics Society production of Annie Get Your Gun.

But the world of acting is nothing new to her - Sharon has already starred in various productions with the Amateur Operatics including Oklahoma, Calamity Jane and Anything Goes.

And it won't be too difficult to follow in the footsteps of the character she is playing because Sharon says she is actually quite like her.

"Annie's supposed to be a bit of a tomboy and I'm a bit like that too," she explained, "although she shoots animals and I would never do anything like that because I'm a big animal lover."

The Broadway hit, which revolves around Phoebe Ann Moses, later known as Annie Oakley, is to be staged nightly at 7.30pm in the Civic Hall from October 26-31.

Annie is an illiterate hillbilly with a knack for shooting guns. Persuaded to join Buffalo Bill's travelling Wild West Show, she soon falls hopelessly in love with Frank Butler, the show's shooting ace.

But when Annie eclipses Frank as the show's main attraction, she realises she'll have to make some hard choices if she wants to win the man she loves.

Annie lived from 1860-1926. From 30 paces she could hit the edge of a playing card, a dime tossed in the air, or a cigarette held between her husband's lips.

She was the best known markswoman in the United States who amazed audiences with her proficiency at firearms.

Sharon is looking forward to taking to the stage for the production which has been put together by producer Cecil Walker, musical director Heather White and choregrapher Liz Cassidy.

She said: "The first show I ever starred in with Vale Royal Amateur Operatics Society was nine years ago.

"It's gone on from there and I really enjoy acting. We have a good cast and production team for Annie Get You Gun."

Tickets for the show are £3 and are available on 01606 592276.

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