NEON clothing, big hair and shoulder pads are the order of the day as Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section (WODYS) celebrates the decade of yuppies and Brat Pack with the musical Back To The 80s.

The show, which runs from Tuesday, July 29, to Saturday, August 2, at Worcester’s Swan Theatre, features many of the decade’s hits, including Madonna’s Material Girl, Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and the Proclaimers’ 500 Miles.

Back To The 80s is the story of a William Ocean High School senior class that graduated in the 80s, as seen through Corey Palmer’s eyes.

Now in his 30s, Corey recalls how he fell for his neighbour Tiffany, who unfortunately for him had a crush on the school’s coolest guy Michael. What follows is a series of hi-jinks leading to a crazy year for Corey and his friends.

The musical has a cast of more than 60 youngsters aged eight to 18. There are 18 principals, the remainder playing typical high school characters – the artistic kids, the cool kids and the ‘nerds’.

Producer and director David Humphries said: “It’s a great musical and we know it will appeal to different generations. The cast will be singing the songs that their parents grew up with and it’s music everyone can relate to.

“The youngsters are filled with enthusiasm and can’t wait for the show to open.”

To help with authenticity in a scene involving cheerleaders, choreographer Rachel Price took her team to meet the women who coach Worcester Wolves basketball team’s cheerleaders.

Wolverines coach Melanie Dale said the WODYS girls had a great stage routine, nice lines and good formation. She and fellow coach Tina Kay taught them a few tricks of the trade and the youngsters met members of the Wolves basketball team.

Fifteen-year-old Max Darby, who plays the role of Corey Jnr in the piece and sings Total Eclipse Of The Heart, and Glory Of Love, said: “My character is not the coolest kid in the class, but he still wants to go out with the coolest girl. Will he get her in the end? Wait and see.”

Adam Hooper, who plays Corey Snr, is no stranger to the stage, having appeared in seven previous WODYS productions, including taking the lead role of Nanki-Poo in last year’s show Hot Mikado.

Aged 18, this is Adam’s final year with WODYS and although he is going on to study automotive engineering, intends to keep up his singing, dancing and acting as a hobby. For tickets for WODYS Back To The 80s contact Huntingdon Hall box office on 01905 611427.