Not to be missed, this week’s production of ‘The Wedding Singer’, staged by WODS (The Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society) at the Swan Theatre, hits all the right notes with inch perfect dancing by a young and talented cast that captivated an enthusiastic audience.

1980s rock star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s most in-demand wedding singer. However, when his own wedding plans go down the pan and he is left standing at the altar, his heartbreak and grief suddenly make him the worst wedding singer you can find.

He ruins every wedding he plays at until he connects with Julia, a pretty young waitress who dreams of her own perfect wedding. There’s just one problem: she’s already engaged.

Based on the film, which is enjoying its own ‘silver’ anniversary, this stage production transferred well under the direction of Ann Turner.

WODS were blessed with its leading man Elliot Kainey who is an accomplished guitar player, which elevated his role of Robbie Hart, the most in demand wedding singer.

Elliot led from the front throughout with some strong acting and singing including the opening raucous number ‘It’s Your Wedding Day’, involving the whole company.

His eventual bride Julia Sullivan was played by Hattie Windows with a bright and endearing disposition.

Initially, Julia is engaged to be married to Glen Guglia played by Eddie Paisley, who lives up to his character of a rich shallow Wall Street broker very well, but actually does not treat Julia very well.

It all starts to go wrong for Robbie, when he is left at the alter by his own bride to be Linda, played by Boe Aston with strength and a racy love of rock, particularly during ‘Let Me Come Home’ in Act 2, when making a last bid for Robbie.

Throughout, Robbie is supported by his two closest friends, Sammy (Toby Edwards) and George (Aadil Din) who give bags of support and maintain the action.

Wendy Holloway as Grandma Rosie stole a couple of scenes with the number ‘A Note from Grandma’ and particularly in Act 2 with ‘Move That Thang’ surprising us with some great rapping!

In Act 1, Robbie’s ‘Somebody Kill Me’ and his number with the company ‘Casualty of Love’ were strong and I liked Julie & Robbie’s touching number ‘Come Out of The Dumpster’. ‘Pop’ was also a good number involving Holly (Bethany Tyrell), Angie (Meghan Hill), Julia and Company.

Bethany was particularly strong in the up-tempo number ’Saturday Night in The City’ closing Act 1 and was very natural in her number with Sammy ‘Right in Front of Your Eyes’ in Act 2.

Throughout , there was some great choreography by Lynne Holloway with highlights including ‘All About the Green’ and an excellent number by the boys with ‘Single’. Robbie and Julia had two lovely duets in Act 2; ‘If I Told You’ and ‘Grow Old with You’.

The fixed set on two levels approached by steps on either side worked well and the costumes provided a fantastic flavour of the 80s with sound and lighting supported a production for which all involved should be congratulated.

The production runs till Saturday evening with a matinee performance at 2.30pm. Get tickets while you can from the Worcester Theatres box office on 01905 611427.