Free Time

PODS for Scoundrels

It seems a long time since the final curtain came down on the wonderful week-long run of 9 to 5 at the Cresset in March. But rather than taking a well-deserved rest after six months of rehearsals ending in a high-energy show week, Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) has been busier than ever as they wait to start on their next musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

While PODS has long been renowned for their NODA award-winning performances and packed audiences, they’re always looking to grow and improve. That’s why, this summer, they took advantage of their recent success to put on two workshops with West End leading man, Oliver Tompsett. In the first workshop, Oliver took PODS through their paces, learning the songs and choreography from We Will Rock You. As the afternoon came round, Oliver then spent time one to one with PODS members, sharing his vast knowledge and experience of acting through song as members performed their favourite tunes from the West End and Broadway.

As the mercury rose and we moved into June, PODS continued their wonderful charity work within the local community by organising a very special concert in aid of the Young People’s Counselling Service, a charity that provides free, confidential counselling for young people aged 13-25 in emotional difficulty. The Big Band Theory concert with The Steve Hession Big Band was a great success where PODS shared The Key stage with special guests including the BBC Young Jazz Musician Winner Alexander Bone and West End sensation Donna Steele. Not only was it fantastic to see PODS showing off their talents with a professional big band, it was also a delight to see them bringing together the generations as they invited youngsters from KYGlee to sing alongside them, all while raising awareness of a great local charity.  Away from the stage, auditions have also been underway to recruit yet more quality talent within PODS and six new members have now joined the group.

But it’s not all been work, work, work. The members of PODS have been having a lot of fun while they’ve waited for rehearsals to begin in the fall. First, there was the annual PODS ball where the cast let their hair down and threw some shapes to deservedly celebrate their successes of the last twelve months. A big group of PODS then donned their wetsuits to take over Rutland Water’s new Aqua Park for the morning, sliding, splashing and flying through the air with true musical theatre flair. They then rounded off the summer with a fantastic PODS BBQ, complete – of course – with plenty of cabaret singing and karaoke.

Now we’re into autumn, PODS’ sights are firmly set on their next musical extravaganza with rehearsals well under way for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at The Key Theatre on March 20-24, 2018.  This hilarious caper set in the French Riviera, based on the hugely popular 1988 film of same name starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin. Promising toe-tapping tuness, side-splitting comedy and a hilarious handful of mischief – all sprinkled with PODS’ unique sparkle – it’s the con of the year that you won’t want to miss. Watch this space for more details!

● To find out more about PODS, visit www.facebook.com/PODS1901  

Image: www.freepik.com/free-photo/ripple-ornament-forever-drop-costume_1018891  

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