This first class show La Cage aux Folles is WODS 150th production. Quality entertainment with plenty to laugh at, the subject of La Cage concerned homosexuals and cross-dressing. This could become cheap so easily, but WODS production is a success in every way, never erring in this direction.

The central figures are Georges, played by Martin Bourne, as a debonair impresario, and Albin, alias Za Za, performed with supreme professionalism by Nigel Holloway. These two are partners, Za Za the drag queen at La Cage.

'She' is melodramatic, spectacularly sequined in dress, sings really well and gives a truly inspired characterisation throughout.

Scenes between the two are very convincing.

Other smaller parts included Jacob, acted by Peter Baio, over-the-top as an amusing pervert, Jacqueline, French and portrayed glamorously by Maria Garcia, Jean-Michel and Anne, intending to marry, depicted by Andy Gilhooly and Lucy Phelps.

Costumes were a spectacular extravaganza worn most attractively for can-cans and other dances, all choreographed with considerable imagination.

Scenery and lighting suggested France, or the nightclub, and was well managed and shifted with little apparent effort.

The orchestra were an ideal accompaniment with several soloists, especially brass and woodwind to the fore.

All in all, this was a highly polished and slick piece of theatre, which deserves many plaudits.

It was good also, to see a musical not seen in Malvern previously. La Cage continues until tomorrow (Saturday)

Jill Hopkins