AFTER countless rehearsals and successful stage productions, Worle Operatic and Dramatic Society is celebrating 40 years of showbusiness.

The group started with a letter in the Mercury, by Louis Joy in 1972, to find potential new members for an operatic society. Eight people turned up to Lois’ home in Worle, including Heather Gadd, Ann Francombe and Joan Eyre, who all began to spread the word through door knocking and PTA meetings.

The organisation’s first show, Oklahoma, was staged at Worle School with 30 members, and was followed by The Desert Song a year later. The WODS performed their main show at the school every year up until 1983.

In 1984 WODS moved to The Playhouse, performing the musical Finian’s Rainbow, and has produced spring shows at various venues around the town almost every year.

A founding member, Joan Eyre, also took on the role of costume director, advising and creating some of the spectacular outfits seen on stage, which she continued to do well into her 80s.

WODS also has a thriving junior section called Spectrum, which performs at the Blakehay Theatre each year.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the group will be reprising Oklahoma at The Playhouse from November 15-17.

Tickets, priced �12, are available from the box office on 01934 645544 or via www.worleoperatic.co.uk/tickets