Annie

David Curtis, 37, from Chandler's Ford sacrificed his mop of dark hair to become completely bald in preparation for his role with Southern Theatre Production Musicals (STPMusicals) as Daddy Warbucks in the hit musical Annie.

Annie is the well-loved rags-to-riches tale of the little redhead orphan who finds a new life away from the miserable New York orphanage, ruled by the infamous Miss Hannigan, to live with local billionaire Oliver (Daddy) Warbucks.

David, a member of STP for 23 years said: "The story of Annie began life as a cartoon in an American paper and Warbucks was illustrated as bald.

When Albert Finney played this role in the film version, he also shaved his head so I thought I would too."

As well as helping David get into his role, the head shaving looks set to also benefit a worthy cause.

David has raised £200 for the charity Childline which desperately needs funds to help answer the 4,000 calls a day they get from youngsters in need and danger.

Lack of funding means less than half the calls get through to a councillor and the charity's greatest fear is that children desperate for protection will find the lines busy and never call again.

Annie features a whole host of classic songs including Tomorrow, It's A Hard Knock Life, You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile and many more.

Auditions for the show in January saw over 300 hopefuls audition.

Lucky Chanelle Molloy and Annie Quinton-Smith, both aged 11, share the lead role.

David, a project manager for Xansa, based in Reading, said: "My two young co-stars thought it was hilarious that I shaved my head. I had to warn my clients too who include government offices so they wouldn't be too shocked when I suddenly turned up at meetings with no hair."

The show marks STP Musical's first appearance at The Theatre Royal in Winchester.

Performances: June 15-19 at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm at The Theatre Royal, Winchester

Tickets: £12.50, £11.50 and £10.50. Box office: 01962 840440.