Theatre News

Miranda Hart apologises to fans over Annie absence

The comedian is currently starring as Miss Hannigan in the West End production

| London | London's West End |

15 August 2017

Comedian Miranda Hart has apologised to disappointed fans after missing a string of performances as Miss Hannigan in the West End production of Annie.

Talking on Twitter, Hart said: "All actors will concur, worst thing about the job, getting ill. Hate letting anyone down. Been gutting to be away from @AnnieMusicalUK but voice stronger every day. I'm SO sorry to all fans coming long distances. I now know the hazard of my new love – musical theatre."

1/2 All actors will concur, worst thing about the job, getting ill.Hate letting anyone down.Been gutting to be away from @AnnieMusicalUK but

— Miranda Hart (@mermhart) August 14, 2017

2/2 voice stronger every day. I'm SO sorry to all fans coming long distances. I now know the hazard of my new love – musical theatre.

— Miranda Hart (@mermhart) August 14, 2017

A statement released by the production said: "Following a consultation with her doctor it would appear that Miranda is suffering from an ongoing throat infection and as a result, she is not able to perform tonight (14 August 2017). As Annie does not play Tuesdays, she is very much hoping that she will be back for her next scheduled performance on Wednesday (16 August 2017)."

It was recently announced that Craig Revel Horwood will take over from Hart when her contract ends on 18 September. The Strictly Come Dancing judge played the role when the production toured the UK last year.

In her review for WhatsOnStage, Sarah Crompton said that Hart was "an attractive presence on stage, with a voice that lends considerable punch to Hannigan's big party piece about her hatred of little girls."

Annie will run at the Piccadilly Theatre until 6 January 2018.