AN AMATEUR dramatic group is stressing that it is still going strong – despite being forced to cancel one of its productions for the first time in its 85-year history.

Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (YAODS) has issued a public statement to quash the rumours that it had folded after it was forced to implement the unprecedented cancellation.

The society said: “To paraphrase Mark Twain, ‘Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated’, the rumoured demise of Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society has also been overplayed and exaggerated. The society felt it had to take the necessary and unprecedented step to cancel the forthcoming production of Anything Goes that was to have taken place in March this year, something that had been unheard of in the society’s 85-year history.

“The decision to cancel was arrived at after it became apparent that there was a distinct lack of male chorus members, a problem that a fair few societies in the local area find. “The principal parts (men included) had all been cast and rehearsals were well under way. Several notices to appeal for men had gone out via social and print media, but sadly, to no avail and as the musical takes place aboard an ocean liner, it was felt untenable and not believable to present a show set in the 1930s with no male passengers or crew.

“Readers will be pleased to note, however, that YAODS is still very much alive, well and ready to give local audiences some new productions of very highest standard.” A spokesman added: “Like all rumours, the lack of information fuelled them. “Yeadon Amateurs has many friends and supporters who were shocked and disappointed to hear that there was to be no show this March and not knowing the reason speculated that we would not be doing any more.”

She went on: “We have received lots of messages of support and are looking forward to getting back on track.”

The society will kick off its new season with a Grand Spring Coffee Morning at 10am on Saturday, March 28, at Yeadon Town Hall. Members will be on hand to answer any questions and to sign up new members.

YAODS gives its annual play each October and this year’s choice is Boeing Boeing, a comedy by Marc Camoletti. Boeing Boeing will be presented at the Town Hall, Yeadon, from September 30 to October 3 and promises audiences an evening of fun and entertainment. The choice of musical for March 2016 will be announced soon.