MEMBERS of the Worcester Operatic Society are looking forward to marking their 125th anniversary while looking back to the production where it all began.

WODS are now one of the oldest organisations still faithfully serving the faithful city, and when the society was formed, Queen Victoria was still on the throne.

A spokesman for WODS, Bruce Wyatt said: "On February 17, Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society will be celebrating its 125th anniversary of providing entertainment in Worcester and the surrounding area.

"WODS is one of the oldest operatic societies in the country and one of the oldest organisations in the city and proud of that and its remarkable history."

The group's first meeting was on February 17, 1892, and it took place at Mr Spark’s music shop in the High Street.

A committee was formed including the local MP, Percy Allsopp, who was also elected as the first president.

Mr Wyatt added: "The first production was HMS Pinafore, staged in the Public Hall on May 30 and May 31, 1892.

"The press reports, very long and detailed at that time, were favourable, reporting that 'large and fashionable audiences attended' and 'the cordial appreciation displayed was thoroughly well deserved'.

But despite charitable intentions, the show was not a financial, success.

Mr Wyatt said: "The production was in aid of Worcester Infirmary, but unfortunately, although well attended, made a loss of £13. "Despite this early setback, WODS has maintained the tradition of donations to local charities, giving over £14,000 since 1988. Other versions of the popular musical were repeated in 1895, 1919 including the Australian version in 2005."

When it staged its first full scale production at the Swan Theatre in 1992, the Society’s centenary year, the youth section of WODS, known as WODYS, also performed HMS Pinafore.

WODYS also has a tradition of supporting local youth causes and has donated over £24,000 to date.

In keeping with its history and tradition, the comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan will once again be performed by WODS this year.

Mr Wyatt said: "From April 19 to April 22l, WODS will once again stage HMS Pinafore, its 179th production, as part of its anniversary celebrations.

"Whilst the well known characters and songs will be included, this version, at The Swan, will contain a few surprises and will be followed by a selection of other nautical numbers to demonstrate the best of what we have come to expect from WODS over the years."

Tickets can be ordered via tickets@wods.co.uk or the theatre box office on 01905 611427.