WHAT he would have made of the line-up of dancers for the 1980s version of The Wonderful World Of The Musicals Heaven only knows, but back in 1934 a glimpse of stocking was certainly something shocking for one writer to the London Sunday Despatch, who put pen to paper after sitting through a performance of The Arcadians by Worcester Amateur Operatic Society.
“I have been a member (of the Society) for years,” he huffed, “but this is the limit. I was ashamed when I saw the play.” Going on to refer to the “immodesty” of the costumes, even claiming them to be “indecent”.
About the only member of the cast to escape rebuke was the horse. A real live one which appears to have acted with complete decorum throughout, something which does not always happen when you mix animals with theatre stages.
WODS’ performance of The Arcadians in 1934 which drew criticism for its “indecent costumes”
Never mind, riding to WODS’ rescue came W Miller of 18, Rogers Hill, Rainbow Hill, who responded that the “old member” was suffering a severe bout of “sour grapes” and “the sooner he is put down the well of truth the better”. That was telling him.
This is but one of a whole host of anecdotes, incidents and historical info items contained in a new book tracing the development of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society from its formation in 1892 up to the present day.
Bruce Wyatt and his new book, A Complete History Of WODS – Almost
A Complete History Of WODS – Almost is the work of long time stalwart Bruce Wyatt, who has had more than half a century’s involvement with amateur theatre in the area.
He said: “As we approach our 130th anniversary in February 2022, I have been inspired by a number of enquiries from members and others interested in the history of the Society, to delve into some records and scrapbooks first created by my late father ‘Bill’ Wyatt, with some older information he gathered together, to create a record which our members and supporters might be interested in reading.
“It runs to more than 30,000 words and has 150 images, neatly divided in to chapters for each decade.
“My grandfather Thomas Wyatt joined WODS, appearing in The Vicar Of Bray, in 1908 and the family has been associated ever since; my father joined in 1931, a young dancer by the name of Freda joined in 1936 (following which they were married in 1941) together with my wife Jenny, who also joined over 40 years ago as a dancer.
Sonia Davis and Billy Wyatt on Jinny the donkey in The Desert Song at Worcester’s Theatre Royal in 1957
“My brother Ray also appeared as the ‘Boy King’ in WODS 1955 production of Kings Rhapsody which all explains why I have been fortunate in inheriting a wealth of memorabilia and old records. Several members have provided their own personal memories and funny stories, many of which I am sure would resonate with any theatre lover.”
Perhaps unusually at amateur level, several shows have featured animals, including horses, a donkey, numerous dogs and at least one cat and not all behaved themselves.
Neither always have the players. In 1935 – a performance of No, No, Nanette at Worcester’s Theatre Royal – the men’s chorus went on strike and sat in the stalls during the dress rehearsal because “two farmer boys from Droitwich” had suddenly joined the cast. Talk about egos.
Publicity photo for the Half A Sixpence production in 1977
WODS was originally formed in 1892 by a fusion of two new societies, Worcester Amateur Operatic and Worcester Amateur Dramatic, and was variously referred to over the years, seemingly depending on who was writing the review. It was not until the 1946 staging of Rose Marie the title Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society appeared in press reports for the first time and has continued to do so ever since.
One of its high points was in 1990, when WODS’ 125th production, a version of The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, swept the board at the Newport International Festival, winning no fewer than five awards, including the festival’s main trophy.
WODYS – the society’s youth section – in 1990
Bruce points out: “WODS is the sixth oldest society in the West Midlands and affiliated to our national organisation, the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA) which was formed on February 15 1899 and since its formation WODS has been proud to be closely associated over many years.”
WODS is currently in rehearsal for a refreshed version of Kipps, the new Half A Sixpence musical to be performed at Worcester’s Swan Theatre from April 26-30, 2022.
Hopefully with no grumbling from “old members” or wild cat strikes by the men’s chorus.
• To pre-order A Complete History Of WODS – Almost contact Bruce Wyatt at bruce.wyatt1234@btinternet.com
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