Dinnington Operatic Society's Youth Academy gears up for a spectacular performance of 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' with their talented cast

YOUTH theatre director Courtney Smith has more reason than most to be nervous about her upcoming show run...

The long-standing Dinnington Operatic Society member is 38 weeks pregnant — and keen to get to next Saturday night without giving birth at the Lyric Theatre during a performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

“The backstage crew even have a codeword for if I go into labour,” she said. “It’s: ‘Waterfall!’”

“It will be my first and I’m expecting a boy — I just hope he stays all warm and comfy inside me until the run is open. Hopefully he won’t come on opening night.”

Baby matters aside, Courtney said the DOS youth academy were in fine form ahead of the three night run from Thursday, which also includes a Saturday matinee.

“It’s a lovely feelgood family show and the kids have been working hard on it.

“They are from age eight right up to 16 or 17 and it’s been a joy to se the work together and what they’ve accomplished in a short space of time.

“For some of them it’s the first thing they’ve done, others have done panto and some of them just live and breathe theatre.

“It’s my second time directing on my own but it’s been a massive team effort and I really appreciate everyone that’s helped.”

The academy sold out the Lyric Theatre last year with their production of Matilda Jr.

And their latest show features two of the principal cast from last time around — Ruby-Mae Harker, whose performance as Matilda won her the DOD performer of the year award, is back as the Baroness.

Meanwhile, Matilda’s Miss Honey, Keira Davis, will play Truly Scrumptious. in Chitty...

DOS publicity officer Joanne Thornewell said: “All of the youngsters who played our adult production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are in the Chitty cast, too.

“We are very fortunate to have such talent coming through the ranks.

“I expect many of them will be Von Trapp children in October when we perform The Sound of Music.”

For tickets to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, call 01909 569340 or book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/dinningtonoperatics.