WHITCHURCH Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society will return to the stage next year for their first show post lockdown.

The society, commonly known as WAODS, will perform the popular musical 'Me and My Girl' next spring at Whitchurch Civic Centre.

The performance will be held from March 2-5, 2022, with the hope that by then Covid restrictions will be sufficiently relaxed, as well as giving plenty of time to rehearse.

"This production is going to be one of WAODS most significant productions for many years," said David Pearce, from WAODS.

"Mainly as a result of all the restrictions that have been put in place on the theatre industry over the last year and a half, and the fact that they have not been able to come together as a group to share the love and passion they hold for the arts and musical productions.

"We have missed each and every one of our members and supporters.

"Although members have all done well keeping in touch during this challenging period for WAODS we are all really looking forward to getting back to some form of a new normal, getting our WAODS family back together and doing what we do best, entertaining and performing for our community."

Me and My Girl is a musical with music by Noel Gay and its original book and lyrics are by Douglas Furber and L. Arthur Rose.

The musical is set in the late 1930s and tells the story of an unapologetically unrefined cockney gentleman named Bill Snibson, who learns that he is the 14th heir to the Earl of Hareford.

The action is set in Hampshire, Mayfair, and Lambeth.

"We are so pleased to be able to produce this show once more for the society, we last did it back in 1999, some 22 years ago now," added David.

"I'm sure all the members and audience members that took part in that production will remember it well."

The group will meet up on September 2 at the Doddington Lodge Hotel and David is inviting potential new members to come along.

"The group is in need of new members, for not only performing roles but also backstage to drive the production and make every part of it as professional as possible," added David.

"Like most people over the lockdown period, if you have spent most of your time inside and not meeting up with people, you should consider joining.

"It will be the ideal opportunity to meet new friends and take part in a community activity.

"Maybe you are new to the town and are keen to make new friends and get involved in what our lovely town has to offer."

If you are interested in joining the group or require more information about WAODS, visit their website www.waods.net or contact David on 07944178033.