The king of talkback radio will play President Roosevelt in a new Australian production.

Broadcasting veteran Alan Jones will sing alongside theatre greats Anthony Warlow and Nancye Hayes in a new production of the Broadway hit Annie.

Jones will play President Roosevelt in the latest stage show to be produced by John Frost, who is behind the Australian box office smash Wicked. Frost handpicked the broadcaster and media personality for his individualism – New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell said he was shocked Frost had cast Jones, who “never ever takes direction”.

Frost said of the all-star cast, “I’m often asked when Annie will return to the stage, and I’m thrilled that for this new production we have the A-list of Australian musical theatre talent – Anthony Warlow reprising one of his favourite roles, Nancye Hayes putting her mark on the role of the mean Miss Hannigan, and Todd McKenney, Chloe Dallimore and Julia Goodwin who are the cream of Australian talent. And I know Alan Jones will surprise everyone in his musical theatre debut.”

For his part Jones, who has no acting or singing experience, expressed his hope “to do all right and not let the team down”,...