manchester evening news: whitefield amateur operatic and dramatic society celebrates 90th birthday

A drama group which celebrated its 90th anniversary this year has shimmied its way on to the M.E.N. Wish List.

Whitefield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (WAODS) started in 1922 with a production of The Yeoman of the Guard, and has performed at least one production every year since.

The diverse group welcomes members aged 16 to 90, and some of its members have gone on to perform in West End musicals including Oliver and Billy Elliot.

 Chairman Mark Eastwood said WAODS, which meets weekly on Stand Lane, Radcliffe, helps to showcase the talent of people from the area while also supporting local and national charities.

He said: “When you are part of this society, you learn how to sing in harmonies, dancing, acting and most of all, how great it is to be part of one big team all working together to put on the best show possible.

“We are a registered charity and we also collect for various charities throughout the year.

“Ultimately, we will benefit from Wish money as it will give us the help we need to take our society to the next level, and hopefully, we can build a bigger profile, and people can help us raise most money for different charities.”

Money from the Wish campaign would go towards a storage facility for costumes, props and set, and hiring a theatre, which can cost up to £2500 for on week. Mark added WAODS hopes to set up a youth section in the near future.

He said: “We have many children involved as and when the shows require, and those children involved love being on stage and performing.
We would love to set up a youth group, so that they can be involved more often and showcase the talent of the younger generation.”

*Send your tokens to Whitefield AODS, 10 Bain Street, Swinton, Manchester, M27 5AE.