Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) almost 100 years on

Starting back in 1924, PODS has hosted several productions every year since - only having to put performances on hold due to World War Two and the coronavirus pandemic.

With the society set to celebrate its 100-year-anniversary in 2024, Olivia Mowl sat down with Wendy Huxtable-McTurk to discuss her experience as a long-term member of PODS.

Mrs Huxtable-McTurk began performing with PODS in the early 1980s, having previously taken the stage as a ballroom dancer and finding herself missing the theatrical curtain.

She recalls immensely enjoying her time performing in dramas and musicals with the society, and even played Cecily in The Importance of Being Ernest - a character in her early 20s - when she herself was in her early 40s.

Wendy Huxtable McTurk (Image: PODS)

After experiencing some health difficulties, Mrs Huxtable-McTurk has now taken a more behind the scenes role as the group's secretary. Duties involve encouraging people to become patrons: a yearly membership of £39 includes tickets for both the musical and the pantomime.

"It’s a great way to save money on tickets," she said. "We get a lot of supporters."

Each year the society produces several shows, with rehearsals twice a week until curtain call. The performances are held at Penarth’s beautiful Paget Rooms, with seats being sold for as little at £12 for children and £15 for adults; a fraction of the price for a mainstream theatre ticket.

Earlier this year, PODS performed the musical Chess - complete with score produced by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeu of ABBA - which played to a full house every night.

"We even had to turn away people asking for tickets on the door," said Mrs Huxtable-McTurk. "It was a great success."

PODS' performance of Chess (Image: Supplied)

After PODS' ongoing success as an adult dramatic society, they started youth wing PODyS in February, inviting young people aged five to 16 to take the stage.

This has had an amazing response, with more than 40 members taking part in PODyS performances, including being involved in the yearly pantomime.

This year's pantomime is Puss in Boots, with previous festive shows proving a highlight of the calendar in the town.

Mrs Huxtable-McTurk said: "99.9 per cent of the time every seat is filled for the pantomime.

"It’s also a brilliant way of getting people inspired. We want them to watch the show and think that they too could be up on that stage."

PODS putting on a show (Image: PODS)

Being run solely by volunteers, and with so much money being cut from arts funding, PODS relies heavily on ticket sales to put on shows.

"All the money that goes on tickets goes straight to the society," said Mrs Huxtable-McTurk. "We’re a registered charity and almost never make a profit – it’s all done for love."

At the 2023 Glammies - an awards ceremony organised by the Glamorgan Drama League - the PODS production of The Full Monty scooped six awards - including best actor and best director.

PODS' performance of The Full Monty (Image: PODS)

The society’s next show will be Ladies’ Day later this summer.

"It’s about four women who work at a fish factory that go to Ascot," said Mrs Huxtable-McTurk. "Expect comedy, but also poignancy."

PODS will also be putting on Shakespeare in Love in March 2024.

For more information visit podspenarth.org/