W.C Fields famously advised “Never work with animals or children”.

His advice would fall on ‘deaf ears’ for the creatives working on a new production of Annie, premiering at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney in March.

One of the creatives contributing to the show, in a very unique way is Luke Hura. Renowned as one of Australia’s leading Animal Trainers, Luke has been working intently with the canine actors playing Annie’s best friend Sandy in the iconic musical.

Dogs are essential co-stars in a host of stage musicals whether that be Mama Rose’s Chowsie in Gypsy, Bill Sykes’ mongrel in Oliver, Paulette’s Rufus and Elle Woods’ Bruiser in Legally Blonde, Dorothy’s Toto in The Wizard of Oz or Eden Brent’s prized Pomeranian pooch in Bullets Over Broadway.

Perhaps best known, as a canine co-star is Sandy in the musical ANNIE, who frequently steals the show.

Luke Hura’s unique career began over 35 years ago and throughout his journey, has worked on some of Australia’s most well-known films, television shows and stage productions.

Luke’s love for animals began at a very early age where he began to connect with them energetically and intuitively, with this ability allowing him to read and recognise their behaviours and thus he began to work with the animals on a more intimate level. This incredible gift steered him in the direction of training all types of animals for performance, including dogs, cats and a variety of birds.

Luke is well respected in the industry and is an obvious choice for any Producer to have as part of their production team. Some of Luke’s career highlights include – Red Dog & Oddball (the highest grossing Australian Dog Films), Paws, Ned Kelly, Rogue, Neighbours, Blue Heelers, Rove Live, The Flying Doctors, Dingo, A Country Practice, Thunderstone, Halifax f.p, Sea Change, The Wizard Of Oz, The Saddle Club, Kath & Kim, Rush and McClouds Daughters.

So how are the canine actors prepared for such starring roles? Sure they may not have much dialogue, but they have to hit their marks and establish a rapport with their co-stars. To answer all, STAGES spoke with Luke Hura, backstage at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, as Annie (and Sandy) readied for the debut of this new Australian production.

Annie plays the Capitol Theatre in Sydney through to early June before a season at The Princess Theatre in Melbourne from July.

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