THEY say good things come to those who wait a phrase a group of Worcester-based actors hope will come true when they perform their show next year.

After a wait of more than 20 years, the city's theatre fans will be able to see the blockbuster musical West Side Story being performed by the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society.

The last time the group performed the show was 22 years ago, before most of the main actors were even born.

But WODS' Faye Hooper said that with a feast of well-known songs and spectacular dance routines, the society was confident the musical, which is based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, would be very popular.

It's a major production which has a host of songs people will recognise, she said.

The show has some exceptional music and excellent credentials so we're looking forward to performing it next year. We're all very pleased.

But, she said it wasn't through choice that the group had been forced to wait so long before being able to perform the tale of the Jets and the Sharks.

She blamed touring companies and the London shows for stopping WODS bringing the musical to the Faithful City.

We've wanted to perform this for a number of years but have been unable to do so, she said.

Because there were touring companies which were coming nearby, or even when it was being shown in London, we were prevented from performing it due to copyright.

We're very excited we've been allowed to perform it now. It's such a lovely show and so popular.

But, she warned audiences not to delay buying tickets for the performances, which are being shown in May.

Instead of our usual two-week run, we'll be performing for one week only and we expect the tickets to sell very quickly, she said. Anyone wanting to see it will have be quick off the mark.

Tickets can be booked in the New Year from the Swan Theatre's box office on 01905 27322.