MIDDLESBROUGH footballer Juninho took time out from his post-operation rehabilitation programme to meet the cast of the musical Copa Cabana.

The Boro star dropped in to watch rehearsals by members of Redcar Operatic Society at the Tall Trees Hotel, Yarm.

The society is putting on the show away from the normal venue - Middlesbrough Little Theatre. Chairman Bill Whitcomb said: "We were delighted when we were the first amateur society in the Teesside-Durham area to be granted the licence to stage the show. "Since the show is about a cabaret club we thought it would be brilliant to perform the show in a similar venue".

With the help of Javid Majid, the owner of Tall Trees, the show is in the Alexandra Suite until Saturday.

The seating will be set in cabaret style and for tomorrow's and Saturday's performances a meal will be available prior to the show.

Mr Whitcomb said: "This is a big gamble for the amateur society such as ours, but we hope this novel production will catch the imagination of regular theatre-goers and hopefully attract a new audience. Since the show is set in South America, Juninho felt quite at home with the Copa Girls and is looking forward to seeing the show".

Tickets are available on the door or by ringing (01642) 323360. They are £10, or £26 on Friday and Saturday including a meal. The show starts at 7:30pm tonight and 8:15pm on Friday and Saturday where a meal will be served from 7pm.