SHOPPERS in Worcester stopped and applauded enthusiastically as a group from Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section (WODYS), treated them to a sneak preview from their show, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

The show comes to the Swan Theatre from Tuesday, July 31 to Saturday, August 4, but the sneak preview took place outdoors.

A spokesman said: “Some of the talented cast of 65, aged eight to 18, drew crowds old and young in the High Street as they sang pieces from the show such as Bless Your Beautiful Hide, I Married Seven Brothers and Wonderful Day.

“Standing 8ft tall and dressed as Cowboy Jack, stilt walker John Parnell (aka Hoop Guy) – who made it through to the live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent with his hula hooping act – helped to hand out leaflets and entertain the audience with his whip cracking and lasso twirling – at one point lassoing the Technicolor giraffe standing outside the Guildhall as part of the city’s Worcester Stands Tall public art event.”

Emily Smith, who only joined WODYS last year said she felt “very honoured to have gained a principal role of Dorcas in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

She added: “WODYS is so professional and has given me the additional musical theatre training I felt I needed.I have just received a scholarship for the degree course in Dance and Musical Theatre at Addict Dance Academy, Leicester, from September.

“Thanks WODYS for being part of my journey.”

Tickets: 01905 611427.