The Woodlanders return with annual variety show

Local entertainment group The Woodlanders are back with their annual variety show next month, promising an evening of entertainment for all.

The show will run from 6th October to 11th October at the East Woodlands Village Hall.

The group began in 1977 when Lydia Tudgay, choir mistress at St Katherine’s Church, proposed holding a concert to raise funds for the village hall, which needed urgent repairs. What started as a simple concert soon evolved into a music hall-style show, featuring song, dance, musical performances and comedy. Today, the show has developed into a full variety performance, with each year’s programme completely new and created by the cast.

For the first performance, the Village Hall was temporarily renamed ‘The Woodlands Hippodrome’. The show was so popular that a second night was quickly added, and both nights sold out, establishing a lasting tradition. Over the years, the show became an annual highlight, at one point running nightly for three weeks.

This year, the group has welcomed a new musical director, Hannah Drury, a classroom music teacher, vocal health first aider, singing teacher and performer. Under her leadership, The Woodlanders have begun incorporating more modern material, ranging from sea shanties to contemporary pop hits.

“There is no single thing that defines a Woodlanders show,” said a spokesperson for the group. “It’s a mix of many things: a warm welcome, convivial atmosphere, historic building, licensed bar, café-style seating and a special magic that ensures audiences leave with a smile on their faces. The current members are fun, friendly and welcoming, each bringing their own unique talent to create the collective that is The Woodlanders.”

Tickets are available by contacting the Box Office on 07510 919573. For more information, visit www.thewoodlanders.biz   

Local charities wishing to be considered for a donation can contact the group at trudiwhittock@outlook.com.

Pictured: The Woodlanders in rehearsal Credit: Jack Williams