YORK Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society's drive for new recruits for Cabaret has paid off.

Indeed the company is quids in: all three newcomers in the principal roles, John Haigh, Gordon Ritchie and Eleanor Oxberry-Breakwell, work for Halifax Financial Services, part of Norwich Union Life.

YAODS chairman Jim Welsman says: "We attracted a substantial number of new members following an advertising campaign in the Evening Press. We're delighted that the three new principals, who all have theatre experience, will be joining other experienced society members to form what is an exciting and talented principal line-up."

Paul Laidlaw's production of Kander and Ebb's Cabaret will run at York Theatre Royal from May 7 to 18, with Haigh in the role of American journalist Clifford Bradshaw; Ritchie as Ernest Ludwig; and Oxberry-Breakwell as Fraulein Cost, the tart with a heart.

Haigh studied theatre at university in Scarborough; has played Henry V and appeared in Alan Bennett's Forty Years On at the Bradford Alhambra; and enjoys composing music and playing the drums and piano.

Ritchie, who is known as Gordie, has collaborated on several shows with Frantic Assembly as well as undertaking theatre studies in Scarborough. Past roles include Renton in Trainspotting and Mercutio in Romeo And Juliet, and he performed Elvis at Wembley Arena in front of 10,000 people.

Oxberry-Breakwell did two seasons at Manchester Youth Theatre; completed her B-Tec in performing arts in 2001; and spent last summer teaching arts and crafts at a Pennsylvanian camp for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Toni Feetenby (nee Ward) will play English singer Sally Bowles; Mick Liversidge, Emcee; and John Ramsden and Moira Murphy, the play's older couple, Herr Schultz and Frau Schneider, with Ramsden being cast as Schultz for the second time.

Tickets cost £5 to £15 on 01904 623568.

Updated: 09:31 Friday, March 21, 2003