Producers Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian, together with director David Gilmore and backed by a bevy of beautiful girls in hockey outfits, hosted a press conference to launch their production of Daisy Pulls It Off at the Lyric, Shaftesbury Avenue today.

David Gilmore directed the original production of Daisy, first at Southampton, then at the Globe (now called the Gielgud) in the West End, in 1983. Andrew Lloyd Webber produced the Globe production and is now co-producing with David Ian. Mr. Ian's connection with Lord Lloyd Webber goes back many years to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Daisy Pulls It Off is a feel-good comedy, a spoof of girls' boarding school stories from the 1920's. As the play is meant to be one put on by the girls at their school, it is very much an ensemble piece as it was back in 1983. Although Hannah Yelland has been cast as Daisy, the play is not a star vehicle - though David Ian said at the press launch, "We expect her to be a star as a result of this show!"

Daisy Pulls It Off begins previews at the Lyric on April 18 and opens on April 29.

—By Paul Webb Theatrenow