Theatre director Guy Brigg insisted the show must go after he was taken to hospital with appendicitis.

Rehearsals for the Musical Youth Company of Oxford’s forthcoming production of Sweet Charity could have ground to a halt after Mr Brigg was admitted to hospital after suffering a burst appendix with less than two weeks to go before the opening night.

But Mr Brigg, 39, deputy headteacher at Dr Radcliffe’s Primary School, in Steeple Aston, has appointed a replacement to make sure the curtain goes up next Wednesday.

Last week Mr Brigg called musical director Julie Todd to say he could not make that evening’s rehearsal for the Oxford Playhouse production because of stomach pains.

Dr Todd, a GP in Islip, near Kidlington, told him to seek immediate medical attention.

It was confirmed he had suffered a burst appendix, and surgeons carried out an emergency operation.

Mr Brigg said: “I’m very disappointed to be missing the final week of rehearsals but I know the company will pull together to make this an excellent show.

“I would really love to be there on the opening night if I am well enough.”

Despite his illness, Mr Brigg has remained in touch with the company’s final preparations for the show, and asked Ashley Harvey to step in as director for the final week of rehearsals.

Dr Todd added: “Guy phoned me for advice and as soon as I heard his symptoms, I advised him to get emergency treatment.

“Staff at the John Radcliffe discovered he had peritonitis, which can be quite dangerous if it’s not dealt with.

“The kids in the production are quite shocked and upset but they understand that the show must go on.

“They have all been texting Guy, who came out of hospital on Monday. As a GP, I was very glad to be able to give him useful advice and I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Dr Todd said Mr Brigg was hoping to be well enough to perform in an Oxford Operatic Society of The Producers in about seven weeks’ time.

Members of the Musical Youth company have been busy distributing leaflets to encourage people to attend the performances.

The company, for Oxfordshire teenagers aged 13 to 19, was formed 20 years ago. Every two years, it stages a musical at the Playhouse.

Sweet Charity runs from Wednesday to Saturday next week.

Set in 1960s New York, the show is full of hit songs, including Big Spender, Rhythm of Life, and If My Friends Could See Me Now.

The first production opened on Broadway in 1966, and the 1969 film starred Shirley MacLaine.

For more details, see oxfordplayhouse.com or myco.org.uk