DIRECTOR Simon Barry has travelled from America to York to take the reins for the Summer Youth Project 2002 at the Grand Opera House, Annie: The Musical.

"I've come from New York to old York to do a show about New York!" says Simon. "I've been doing a show, The Jungle Book, on the QEII going out to New York: my fifth time across, and each time you get to spend two days in New York at the end, which can't be bad!"

Simon, the director of the Opera House pantomime for the past four years, arrived in York on Tuesday to work with choreographer Sandra Watson, from the Red Shoes Dance Studio, and musical director Derek Chilver, who began rehearsals in July.

Annie, the adventures of a little orphan girl and her faithful dog, features theatre enthusiasts aged nine to 18 at all levels of the production, from principal actors, to orchestra, to backstage crew.

"We've learnt lessons from our first year, when we did Oliver! last summer: we've learnt about how to keep 100 people involved all the time, rather than waiting around!" says Simon.

"Last year, there were no previous things to go on, no previous form, but I was really chuffed by the enthusiasm of the kids, and the talent, and we'll build on that this year."

The summer youth project was set up as an experiment last summer, but such was its success that it now looks likely to become an annual fixture, offering youngsters the chance to work with professionals on a major production in a professional theatre.

Those working backstage will learn the disciplines of lighting, sound and stage management. While there is the chance to learn individual skills, the project encourages a sense of working towards a common goal rather than seeking the spotlight. "It's the ensemble stuff that makes it so special," says Simon. "Look at last year, when Food, Glorious Food was so 'gobsmackingly' memorable with 100 people on stage."

He will be looking for bags of energy from his young charges. "In New York, I've just been to see Thoroughly Modern Millie at The Marquis Theatre, in the heart of Times Square, an amazing show. I want to get the feel of that in Annie," says Simon.

How does he approach directing so large a company? "I like to get an atmosphere where they know in their minds what's happening and then work on how each one of the characters fits into the general scheme: to see how everyone fits in," Simon says. "It's the overall atmosphere that matters most."

Last year, the cast had to master Cockney accents for Oliver!; this year the challenge is New York, America. "Their accents are excellent: they're even pulling me up and saying 'No you don't say it like that'," says Simon.

Annie: The Musical, Grand Opera House Summer Youth Project 2002, Grand Opera House, York, August 6-10. Performances: 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm matinee on August 10. Tickets: £6 to £9; ring 01904 671818.

Updated: 09:51 Friday, August 02, 2002