A MUSICAL theatre youth group which has earned awards for its performances is on the lookout for teenage boys for its next show – Back to the 80’s.

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section is seeking boys, aged 13 to 18, to play four main principal roles, and four or more to be members of the male chorus.

Back to the 80’s is being performed at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, from Tuesday, July 30 to Saturday, August 3. There are six performances, including a Saturday matinee.

Open auditions for these parts will be held at 12.30pm on Saturday, March 2, at St Mary’s Hall, Northfield Street, Worcester.

WODYS chairman and producer, David Humphries, said: “We have performed some fantastic shows over the past 36 years – our Les Miserables (School Edition); Half a Sixpence and Footloose all won awards for the area’s best youth production.

“Each year we play to full to capacity audiences at the Swan Theatre. We are hoping that Back to the 80’s will do the same this year.”

He added: “Back to the 80’s promises to be a toe-tapping, fun-filled show but we still have four important roles to cast and would also like more boys for the chorus”.

Back to the 80’s has proved to be a popular show for school and college productions.

In effect, the musical is a “jukebox musical “featuring pop songs from a lively decade as well as a rap song written by Neil Gooding, the show’s writer.

The song selection can vary from country to country, but 1980s anthems which have often been chosen for UK productions include Kids in America, Dancing on the Ceiling, The Final Countdown and many others.

Despite the show’s title, it is basically set in High School during the early years of this century.

David said: “Anyone who is interested in performing and wants to join in with the fun should get in touch as soon as possible.”

Applications should be made to WODYS secretary, Jacqui Tombs, at wodyssecretary@hotmail.co.uk by Saturday, February 23.