We are delighted to welcome many new members over the past year all bringing new ideas, talents and fun to the group.
It's been a mixed year with many ups and downs. On stage so many ups with shows, drama and music festivals where we received an 'Outstanding' and a 'Highly commended'.
The downs have been off stage, with some members having illness or personal troubles. But our overall sadness was from loosing William Gofton who passed away just before Christmas 2025 aged 20. We miss him deeply and his loss has left a big hole in Bods. We will always remember him as a cheeky and amazingly talented actor who was one of the first members of BODS.
As everyone in theatre knows the audience is our main thought throughout a rehearsal run, it doesn't matter if it's a professional or amateur group still all the work goes in and all for the benefit of our audience, supporters, followers and ticket sales! But sometimes we have to take risks, with a show title, content or raising our ticket prices! Its always a fear we will loose some of our audience but as long as they are aware of what's going on most will stick with us and we thank them for this.
Monday Bods (which is our teaching group) are going well have brought more new members, some are parents of Wychwood Saplings who saw how much fun and enthusiasm the members had and are now working alongside their children both on and off stage creating a strong family interest.
The Saplings are again doing well, they were awarded 'Outstanding' in the music festival and are also performing again in the arena for a local fete. They have been cast in some of the Bods shows as well, working to much higher levels and gaining more experience and having opportunities in professional theatres. They will be cast in their own winter show soon.
And now we move onto the summer 2026 and into 2027. Bods with cast of 30 are performing Shakespeare 'Much ado about nothing' in June, and then casting for next January's Panto written by Tony Mellerick. With smaller events and fundraisers happening in between we are always busy!
- Mandyrae
