Darlington Operatic Society celebrates a double first when its production of Oklahoma! opens at Darlington Civic Theatre on Wednesday.

In the society's diamond jubilee year, Joanne Hand makes her debut as director of the musical, while 18-year-old Andy Wright's first performance is as lead man Curly.

Andy, from Eaglescliffe, is a newcomer to the society, but Joanne, 35, has already established herself as a choreographer and assistant director in previous productions.

Joanne, a product of the Bush Davies School and the Northern Ballet School in Manchester, assisted her mother, Irene, in choreographing the society's productions of Oliver and Gigi in the mid-nineties.

More recently, she earned praise for her work with Martyn Knight, Scott St Martyn, Ray Jeffrey and Bev Jones.

She said: "It is a great honour to be asked to follow in the footsteps of such excellent directors.

"I hope everyone will enjoy what will be a lively version of this excellent musical."

Andy is not new to the part of Curly, having played him in a production by the Centre Stage amateur drama group in his home town of Eaglescliffe.

However, it is his first venture on to the big stage of a major theatre.

He said: "It is a superb part and I am really looking forward to performing in one of the North-East's best-loved theatres with an experienced and talented cast under Joanne's expert direction."

Oklahoma! runs until November 5, with a matinee on Saturday.

Tickets are available from John Lloyd on (01325) 467017 and the theatre box office on (01325) 486555.