They make up nearly half the cast list and are thanks to the group's policy of fostering an interest in the theatre by running annual summer schools for young budding actors.

"I was so pleased to see so many of them were keen to take part – the older ones playing villagers and the younger ones their children," said director Philip Quin.

The production is also one of the most colourful with an array of dazzling costumes by Sarah Prince-White, who also doubles up in one of the principal roles as the Blue Fairy.

But it was not the easiest production to stage.

"It's come together marvellously despite illness that caused a number of cast changes and which also lost us our musical director. It took us three weeks to find Robert Hill as a replacement."

The show boasts a 27-strong cast list and an equal number working behind the scenes, and is as always a complete sell-out. "I'm so pleased at the enthusiasm shown for live theatre in the Creakes," added Mr Quin.

Pinocchio, played by Ros Haywood, is the story of a naughty wooden puppet who becomes a real live boy. Harry Studd takes the part of Gepetto, the puppet-maker, while Sue Carter plays Jiminy Cricket and Oliver Prince-White plays Mr Antonio, the village policeman and carpenter.

An interesting departure was the casting of two youngsters, Liberty Glossop Hillam and Ellie White, in the role of Lampwick, his son. They have alternated the role with the added advantage that each could act as the other's understudy in case of illness.

The production is dedicated to the late Pam Thomson, wife of local rector and a member of the make-up department, who died before Christmas.

The final two performances start at 7.30 pm. Plans are already being drawn up for the group's next production, Ten Times Table by Alan Ayckbourn, which will run for three nights from Thursday, May 15.