A WORCESTER youth drama society has been shortlisted for a top award.

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section – WODYS – has been nominated for best musical in the youth category of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) regional awards 2016.

WODYS' production of Les Misérables (School Edition) was staged at Worcester's Swan Theatre in August last year and received standing ovations at each of its six performances.

The group, which previously won the coveted prize in 2011 with Half a Sixpence, has also been asked to perform a cabaret during the NODA awards ceremony at Stourbridge Town Hall on Sunday, April 23.

David Humphries, chairman of WODYS and producer and director of Les Mis, called it an honour to have the production nominated and to be asked to perform the cabaret at such an occasion.

He said: "I am delighted that WODYS has been nominated. Putting on such a show is hard, but enjoyable work.

"I would like to thank my fellow production team members for their artistic input and hard work in helping to make it a successful show.

"Also, this production would not have taken place without the hard work given so freely by so many people such as the stage crew, wardrobe, properties, sound and lighting teams, chaperones and all the other backstage helpers as well as our professional musicians.

"WODYS has gone from humble beginnings in 1982 to becoming a very successful youth theatre group of a very high standard. I am very proud to be its chairman."

WODYS' awards night cabaret will include a selection of songs performed during the group's tour around Worcester residential homes, Women's Institutes and churches during the winter months and also some of the numbers from Les Mis.

Meanwhile WODYS is already busy preparing for its 35th anniversary production of Whistle Down the Wind, being staged at the Swan Theatre from Tuesday to Saturday, August 1-5.

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