WORCESTER OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society (WODS) was formed in 1892. We perform several musical shows each year usually at the Swan Theatre in Worcester. Anyone from 16 to 116 is welcome to join whether you’re a dancer, singer or actor, or want to help out backstage, we’re always on the look out for new members.
We also have 2 youth groups – WODYS & WODAC. Formed in 1982 WODYS now perform a musical show at the Swan Theatre, Worcester every year. Youngsters between the ages of 8 and 18 are trained in all aspects of theatre work, including singing, dancing, acting and general stagecraft.
Tickets for WODS productions can be purchased either from the Swan Theatre box office or from WODS directly. Click here for more.
The majority of our productions are staged at the Swan Theatre Worcester. Some of our smaller productions take place at our rehearsal venue in Worcester.
Join Us
Do you enjoy singing, dancing or acting? Would you like to improve your performance skills? Maybe you would like to be involved with the numerous backstage roles vital for a smooth running and successful production? Are you interested in becoming part of a friendly and well respected organisation with over 200 dedicated members and over 100 years of performance history?
For infomation about joining Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society, click here. For how to find us, click here.
Our History
On 17th February 1892 at a meeting in the High Street, Worcester, the Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society was founded. The first production, HMS Pinafore, was presented at the Public Hall in Worcester to capacity houses. The second production, Patience, was moved to the Theatre Royal in Angel Street. A surplus of £60 was donated to the Royal Infirmary. At the Annual General meeting at the Star Hotel in 1893, the membership subscription was fixed at one guinea (£1.05) per year, to include six free seats! Since these inaugural days, a considerable sum has been donated to many local charities. Recent decades have seen many changes in the work of the Society, moving on to more ambitious productions, including most of the modern full scale musicals. In 1954 we lost the Theatre Royal due to redevelopment, but happily moved to the Festival Theatre Malvern, where we performed our Autumn shows for many years.
Conscious of being a Worcester Society, we consider ourselves fortunate in having the Swan Theatre in Worcester, where, since 1966 we started staging our Spring shows. The theatre is now run by Worcester Live and since 2007 has become our main venue for our bi-yearly large scale musical productions. In 1981 with the support of members and friends, the society purchased its own home at St Mary’s Hall, Northfield Street, Worcester, where we rehearse and stage our smaller productions.