TWO popular figures from the Worcestershire amateur dramatics scene are making their mark on the London theatre world.

Matt Sudworth and Chris Love, both aged 23, and former members of the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section (WODYS) are starring in a new production of Annie Get Your Gun. The musical opened at the Union Theatre last week. It is the first time it has been performed in London for more than 20 years.

Mr Love, a former Chase High School student whose family still live in Rushwick, near Worcester, played the lead role of Frank Butler when WODYS staged the musical in 2003.

He said: "This is a new challenge for us and we feel lucky to be performing in central London.

"It is at the Union until Saturday, February 9, then the best scenario is that it is picked up by a director and taken to the West End."

Mr Sudworth, who has lived in Malvern and Worcester and went to Hanley Castle High School, said: "It is a good show and we have been really looking forward to it."

The two, who now live in Sidcup, Kent, were members of WODYS for several years. They then joined WODYS' parent group, Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society.

Both studied at Worcester College of Technology, Mr Sudworth taking an HND in performing arts and Mr Love a national diploma.

While in Worcestershire, Mr Sudworth also performed with the Midland Musical Theatre Group (MMTG) and the Malvern Theatre Players.

Another local link can be found in the production of Annie Get Your Gun for the musical director is Alex Weatherhill, who used to live in Colwall, near Malvern.

His first big role was in the West End hit musical Chicago and he went on to star in Pirates of Penzance. He is a former Worcester Royal Grammar School pupil and was a member of numerous local drama groups including WODS, Malvern Light Opera and MMTG. After leaving the area he moved to Middlesex and set up a cabaret production company.

From February Mr Weatherhill will be returning to Worcestershire with the touring production of Fiddler on the Roof, which plays Malvern from Monday, March 17.