2024 was a busy year for Penarth Operatic and Dramatic Society, having celebrated their centenary, and 2025 is shaping up to be equally busy. With a number of first-class productions in the pipeline, they are excited to be looking ahead to the coming year with a jam-packed schedule of shows and many other exciting opportunities on the horizon. This is what we can look forward to.

A Husband for Breakfast

Saturday, 12 April

Peter Knowles, Publicity Officer at PODS says: “We are excited to be entering Glamorgan Drama League’s Festival of One-act Plays at the Savoy Theatre, Tonyrefail with a production of Ronald Elwy Mitchell’s comedy, A Husband for Breakfast. This is the first time that PODS has entered the festival and we are thrilled to be joined by Jon Barnes who is making his directional debut with PODS.”

A professional adjudicator will mark the contestants on a variety of elements, and the top six will be short-listed for the Wales final in June. The winner of this represents Wales at the British final in July.

Tickets are on sale for the competition, where you can enjoy four plays for just £15 at www.ticketsource.co.uk/glamorgandrama

Shrek the Musical

14 – 18 MAY

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek the Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairytale adventure which is irreverent fun for the whole family. “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…” and thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wise-cracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one at hand, and his name is Shrek.

Tickets now on sale ticketsource.co.uk/pods

High School Musical on Stage!

27 – 29 JUNE

“Our young performers from PODyS are proud to present Disney’s High School Musical on Stage!” says Peter. This high energy show centres on the blossoming relationship between Troy, a high school jock and Gabriella, the new smart girl at school. They meet on a family vacation and rediscover each other at school. Their surprise decision to audition together for the school show is thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay. Finally Gabriella and Troy find a way to be themselves and are rewarded with the lead roles in the show.

Tickets now on sale ticketsource.co.uk/pods

The Ghost Train

8 – 11 OCTOBER

Arnold Ridley’s comedy thriller, The Ghost Train will be directed by one of PODS’ newest members, Gray Hill and ably assisted by Amanda Matthews. It will be perfect for those spooky October nights.

Aladdin and his Magic Lamp

4 – 7 DECEMBER

“After the phenomenal sell-out success of Sleeping Beauty and the Kingdom of Dreams last year, we’re delighted to announce that this year’s panto will be Aladdin and His Magic Lamp. It’s going to be another amazing family pantomime, full of sparkle, magic, laughter and song” says Peter. Andy Bradshaw, who wrote, designed and directed Sleeping Beauty, is writing a brand new script Aladdin, and Alex Wilson will be directing.

Stay updated on auditions and ticket sales for The Ghost Train and Aladdin! Follow PODS on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for their newsletter at www.podspenarth.org for the latest news.