Life is a cabaret for the WODYS juniors

The Youth Section - affectionately known as WODYS - was formed 23 years ago, with a membership of 30. Now there are 70 eight to 18 year-olds and a waiting list to join.

Besides putting on spectacular summer sell-out musicals, such as Annie Get Your Gun, The Music Man, Carousel and Return to the Forbidden Planet, a group of the older WODYS - 11 and over - produce an annual winter/spring cabaret, which they take around residential homes for the elderly and perform at charity functions.

These cabarets started in a small way, but over the years, as WODYS' reputation for first-class productions have grown, they have snowballed.

Experienced director

In the past few years, the cabaret has been produced and directed by Gail Kainey, a member of WODS, the youth section's parent company, assisted by former WODYS members who have continued their interest in theatre.

They aim to put back a little of what they have enjoyed as members of a thriving amateur theatrical group.

Entitled Feeling Good, this winter's cabaret consists of a selection of songs from shows, including Money, Money, Money, Look to the Rainbow, If They Could See Me Now and Thank You Very Much.

The commitment from the children is total and the way they cope with performing in differing circumstances is wonderful.

One day they can be on a stage, the next in a space no larger than a front room. Tribute must also be paid to the versatility of the keyboard player, adapting to whatever circumstances are met.

While the cabaret members grow in confidence it is also obvious that they develop affection for the elderly and sick as they chat and laugh with the residents after the show.

Besides taking part in the cabaret the youngsters are also preparing for their summer musical, Les Miserables (School Edition), which they are performing at The Swan Theatre, Worcester, from Tuesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 30.