The Droitwich Theatre and Arts Club Ltd was set up in 1962 to combine various dramatic societies and to run an amateur theatre in the town.

Starting out with around 50 members, the club slowly grew. The first production was a pantomime written by two members, Terry Davis and Doug Miles, in January 1963. The show, Man in the Moon, received a rapturous response and so the Norbury Theatre was born. The current Friar Street theatre opened a year later in February 1963 and a youth section was created in the early seventies.

But due to recent uncertainty over the Norbury's future, numbers have begun to dwindle and now the hunt is on for new blood.

Pamela Douglas, who assists youth theatre director Paul Wood, has been with the company for around 10 years.

"Unfortunately, due to uncertainty over the future of the theatre, numbers have started to fall over the years.

"Also there have been a reduced number of adult leaders and as the older members have left we have not replaced them.

"But we are now trying to recruit new members and raise the general profile of the theatre. The youth drama group is all about having fun. Members meet every Friday but there is a marvellous social life to be had too. There are many social events, such as the Christmas dinner, and it is a real bonding experience for the members."

Anyone aged between 13 and 21 with an interest in drama, music and dance can join the group. Thirteen-year-old Hayley Newnes has been involved in the youth theatre for the past two years. The dedicated young actress, from Bromsgrove, said: "I have been involved in many productions, including Dick Whittington, Scrooge and recently took the title role in Cinderella." The group meet every Friday at the Norbury Theatre at 7.30pm. They are also looking for adult leaders who can find out further information from Pamela Douglas on 01527 876732.