AN 83-YEAR-OLD operatic society is on the lookout for male actors after scooping a host of awards at the local equivalent of the Oscars.
The Billericay Operatic Society won five awards at The Brents last month and as it looks towards its next production, Fiddler On The Roof, the society is in need of men for what is an extensive cast.
Founded in 1929, the society scooped the Best Musical award at The Brents last month for its production of On The 20th Century.
The musical is set during the 1930s on a speeding locomotive heading to New York from Chicago in the US.
Show director and producer Wayne Carpenter is hoping to build on the success of the show, which was staged in February.
"The show was absolutely fantastic, we put a lot of hard work into it.
"We wanted to do something a bit different that our audience had not seen before. We took a risk and it paid off.
"We enjoyed doing it, it was great fun. The icing on the cake was scooping a host of awards."
Fiddler On The Roof, due to be performed in April, requires more actors and production helpers, so Mr Carpenter is appealing for anyone who would like to take part to come along to their rehearsals.
"We need some new members, people of all ages with a bit of enthusiasm," said the 44-year-old from Ramsden Bellhouse.
"The best thing they will get out of it is a fun hobby. I joined when I was 18, there's some really nice people and we've made some great friendships."
The society's home is Brentwood Theatre and members rehearse every Friday night at Brightside Junior School in Billericay.
The other awards they picked up at The Brents were Best Design of a Musical, Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, Best Lead Actress in a Musical and Best Lead Actor in a Musical.
Membership secretary Mark Clements said: "Like most societies we struggle to get men.
"We're always on the look out for men and in this particular show there's some Russian men who go in and smash the village up and leave, so it would be a good introduction for people who don't sing or dance.
"We also need some younger members for the family roles."
The 41-year-old added that singing on a Friday night helps relieve some of the stress accumulated during the week.
"It's a lot of good fun. I have a stressful job and there's nothing better than at the end of the week to go and have a good sing.
"It's uplifting and good for the soul," added Mr Clements.
For more information call 07733 306192 or visit billericayoperaticsociety.co.uk
