A WORCESTER youth theatre group has recruited an incredible 17 new members thanks to the high standard of applicants, during recent auditions.

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section (WODYS) chairman and director David Humphries, said: ‘‘We had estimated that we could take up to 15 youngsters to add to the 50 existing members.

“However, the standard was so high that the panel decided to take 17. We are sorry that we could not take all those who auditioned, but there is a limit to the number people we can have in our cast.”

He added: “There should be some interesting competition when WODYS hold auditions in January for roles in next summer’s musical Back to the 80s.

“Well-established members with several shows under their belts will be joined by the newcomers and all will be certain of a role in the show whether principal, dancer or chorus.

“For those who did not manage to get into WODYS this year there is the chance to join WODAC, the youth section’s academy which schools youngsters in all forms of stagecraft over week-long workshops held in school half-terms next year – each week culminating in a performance for parents and friends.

“The academy is designed to give youngsters grounding in stagecraft with a view to them auditioning for membership of the main group next autumn.”

WODYS shows usually sell out and tickets have already been ordered for the next show – Back to the 80s – on from Tuesday to Saturday, July 30, to August 3, 2019, at Worcester’s Swan Theatre.

WODYS parent group – WODS – Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society – is performing Monty Python’s Spamalot at the Swan Theatre this week, until Saturday, October 20.

For tickets, call 01905 611427.