Some of the 220 girls, who had travelled from as far away as Warminster, Bournemouth, Andover, Blandford and Wimborne, at the auditions for Annie at St Martin's Primary School on Sunday. DA5212P06

WHEN Salisbury Amateur Operatic Society advertised its auditions for girls from six to 14 years old to take part in its production of the musical Annie, it was overwhelmed by the response.

Within three weeks, SAOS secretary Claire Sainsbury had had more than 200 applications and had to close the list.

"I must have had at least 100 calls after that," she said.

On Sunday, scores of would-be Annies, Mollys, Peppers and Duffys were put through their paces at St Martin's Primary School, after the society switched audition venues to accommodate the huge numbers.

"It's important you enjoy what we're doing this morning," SAOS musical director John Dempster told them.

"We want to see you sparkle - you've got one shot at it."

With just two teams of 20 orphans, including the main characters, required for the run at the City Hall in November, the whittling-down process began.

It will be professional director Jeremy Tustin's third production of Annie and he knew what he was looking for.

"We want a natural Annie, someone who is not showy - usually, you can pick them out straight away, but the audition process takes hours," he said.

You're never fully dressed without a smile, says one of the songs, but some were already kitted out in Municipal Orphanage smocks, cardis, ankle socks and lace-ups.

But it was talent, not costume, that the people from SAOS were looking for, and they were spoilt for choice.

Pianist Liz Weager thumped out the same tune over and over again and moppets and teens alike mastered a dance routine that involved scrubbing floors on their hands and knees.

But it's a hard-knock life in showbiz and, by 1pm, two-thirds were thanked nicely and sent on their way.

For some, there were tears and disappointment, but most had Annie's boundless optimism and went out smiling.

For the remainder, there was dialogue to learn, an American accent to master and Tomorrow to sing before two Annies - Charlotte Euridge (11), of Fordingbridge, and Freya Evans (10), of Salisbury, - were chosen.

One thing is certain, SAOS has found some stars of tomorrow - bet your bottom dollar.