MEMBERS of Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society (EODS) are busy polishing their tap shoes ahead of their forthcoming production of the West End and Broadway smash hit, Stepping Out.

The comedy, written by Richard Harris, follows the lives of 10 very different people attending a weekly tap dancing class in a dingy church hall.

Led by Mavis, the eternally patient dance instructor (played by Amanda Golding), and accompanied by the acerbic pianist Mrs. Fraser (played by Jill Moran), the students, who range from hopeless to competent, strive to master the basics of dance.

The steps and routines provide the backdrop for the play’s main focus - the relationships and interactions of the would-be dancers.]

By their final performance, not only have the class members developed some degree of skill, but they have also overcome the inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts that have kept them out of step.

Director Phil Hawkins, who is directing his first show for EODS, said: “All the cast have been working very hard, especially those who have had to learn tap-steps for the first time – it’s allowed them to really identify with the characters they play.

“It’s a fantastic play that will appeal to lots of people, and there are plenty of laughs along the way.”

Stepping Out runs at the Evesham Arts Centre at 7.30pm from Thursday to Saturday, September 20 to 22.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from The Almonry Heritage Centre on 01386 446944 or online at eveshamartscentre.co.uk.