True to showbiz tradition, Suki Fusi believes that the show must go on.

So when she gave birth to a strapping 9lb 8oz boy fours hours before curtain-up on the Saint Theresa's Repertory Society's show in Colchester, she was still on hand to conduct before a packed house.

Her newborn baby, Thomas, who is her fifth child, was backstage during the performance of Songs From the Shows at St Benedict's College in Norman Way.

Mrs Fusi, 37, of Stratford St Mary, runs the group and is director of choreography while her husband Toni is chairman.

She has been rehearsing the show for six months, together with the cast of 49, and said: "I nipped backstage to feed Thomas in the interval."

Colchester mayor Mike Hogg was at opening night and said: "It was very impressive that she was there so soon after giving birth. The show was a big success and they were given a standing ovation at the end."

Born to do it - dedicated music fan Suki Fusi with her new-born

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.