New faces needed after drama group numbers fall - The Worcester Observer

New faces needed after drama group numbers fall

Worcester Editorial 30th Sep, 2021   0

ARTS chiefs have issued an appeal for new faces after losing almost a third of their cast as a result of lockdowns and other Covid restrictions.

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) made the desperate plea ahead of its next show, the new half a sixpence musical Kipps.

The society want to take to the stage in April but has seen numbers dwindle owing to the interruptions caused by the pandemic.

WODS was formed in 1892, making it one of the oldest amateur theatrical companies in the UK. With the exception of the First and Second World Wars, WODS has staged shows every year since 1892 with many winning awards for the quality of the productions.




The pandemic saw the original dates for Kipps axed and hopes of a return in 2021 were dashed with restrictions continuing until the summer.

Trustee and committee member Martin Boniface said: “As the various restrictions have been removed or reduced this year, we are now in a position to stage Kipps with a cast of 33.


“We have maintained contact with our members and the cast during the pandemic and over the last few weeks have contacted the cast of Kipps to confirm they are still able to perform and commence rehearsals at the beginning of October.

“However Kipps looks like it could be a casualty of Covid once again as we have found that 11 of the cast are now unable to take part in the show as their circumstances have changed over the last two years.

“Some of them have moved away from the area with work, have taken up places at college or university away from Worcester and for some of female cast members they have had a baby or will have a baby around the time of the production in April,” he added.

Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to attend the rehearsal on Wednesday (October 6) at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Hall on Northfield Street.

Auditions will take place on October 27 from 7pm with rehearsals then being held every Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

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