A CITY group has become regarded as one of the amateur musical theatre youth leaders in the country since forming in 1982.

Many former WODYS (Worcester Operatic and Drama Society Youth Section) members have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the theatre, performing in the West End and abroad.

Current members are studying performing arts, music, drama and dance at GCSE and A level in their schools with some attending Birmingham’s BOA Academy to focus on musical theatre.

Many also go on to study musical theatre and performing arts degrees in higher education.

Recent success stories include Harry Jobson who graduated with a degree in professional dance and musical theatre from Urdang Academy, London, and starred as Biff in Back To The Future at the Adelphi Theatre.

Grace Whyte is performing in the world tour of Phantom of The Opera and Issy Khogali has just joined the cast of Matilda in the West End.

WODYS has been congratulating Issy who was a member for five years and is a 2023 musical theatre graduate from ArtsEd.

Issy said: “WODYS gave me the opportunity to learn more about musical theatre and to discover my love and passion for performing on stage as part of a team.”

Since graduating she has worked on two shows and is now in Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre.

Issy continued: “This is a show I have dreamt of being a part of for a very long time and I am extremely excited to be spending the next year in this joy-filled show.

"I am very thankful that WODYS has been a part of the journey that got me here.”

Harry, who was a member of WODYS for six years, said: “I absolutely loved my time in WODYS — I learned so much and made some wonderful friends.

“I owe a lot to director Dave Humphries, musical director Hattie Amos and to Rachel Price and Katie McNamee, the choreographers.

“They taught me so much and gave me so many opportunities.”

WODYS rehearse at St Mary’s Hall, Northfield Street, and are run by volunteers.

Humphries, who helped form WODYS, has now run more than 40 shows.

Chairman Jeremy Field said: “This highlights just a few of what our talented youngsters are doing since leaving WODYS.

“We are all so proud of what they are achieving and also what a fabulous job our amazing production team led by David continue to do.”

Tickets for WODYS’ The Addams Family at the Swan Theatre, which starts next week, can be bought at the Huntingdon Hall box office in Crowngate, on 01905 611427 or from www.worcestertheatres.co.uk.

Meanwhile, anticipation is growing for the show with the city mayor singing their praises.

After watching the cast’s rehearsal, Worcester mayor Mel Allcott applauded the group’s efforts and described the singing as ‘brilliant’. 

She also spoke of WODYS ‘fantastic reputation’ fuelled by numerous NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) awards, including best youth production for their last show Carousel.

WODYS is made up of 50 talented eight to 18-year-olds who this summer will perform the ‘spooktacular’ hit musical.

The show runs from Tuesday, August 6 to Saturday, August 10 with 7.15pm performances and a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.

The story explores the triumphs and challenges faced by every family through a spooky and hilarious lens complete with heartfelt ballads and vibrant ensemble numbers.

Following Councillor Allcott’s visit to the rehearsal at the city’s St Mary’s Hall, the Worcester mayor, whose focus this year is youth matters, expressed how much she “looks forward to seeing the show”.