AN amateur drama group are hoping to come back in a 'big' way as they prepare for a long-awaited musical performance.

The Dunmow Players are getting ready for their rendition of Big! The Musical, based on the hit 80’s film of the same name starring Tom Hanks.

This will be the second attempt of putting on this production for the group.

In 2019, The Dunmow Players made a plea to the community for donations to keep the centennial organisation running.

This plea saw the group smash their fundraising target, enabling them to begin rehearsals for Big! The Musical.

But they were all but a month from opening night when the pandemic hit. Two years later, the show will finally go on.

Big tells the comical tale of Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who one night makes a wish to be big. Hilarity ensues when the next morning, Josh finds his wish came true, only not in the way he expected.

Some members of the original cast were not able to stay on for two years and their roles have been recast.

Newcomer Theo Smith, playing Billy, Josh’s best friend, said: “I’ve had the privilege of joining The Dunmow Players for the first time and am so excited and grateful to have landed this fantastic opportunity.

"The Players have been so welcoming to me, and I am loving working alongside some very talented people.”

Society Chair, Em Robshaw added: “After all the hard work from everyone to keep The Dunmow Players running and the effort that has gone into putting

on this show, I am beyond excited to get back on stage with such a fantastic group of people to share in the joy of theatre”.

For more information visit dunmowplayers.co.uk.

Tickets for Big! The Musical can be bought online at thelittleboxoffice.com/dunmowplayers/ and the show will run for 5 performances form April 6 to April 9