A PERFORMANCE group is on the hunt for male cast members after it admits not enough young men are joining their ranks.

Braintree Musical Society, which was founded in 1949, says it is concerned about hosting an upcoming production due to a lack of male members.

The society is hoping to cast for a production of Half a Sixpence in January but say they could be forced to change future show choices to focusing on female casts.

It comes after the group looks to make a return after being unable to perform for 18 months due to the pandemic.

To make matters worse, the club also lost its venue – Braintree Arts Theatre – after it closed following the pandemic.

With a lack of venues in Braintree, the society has found a new home at Witham Public Hall, although other venues are also being considered.

Now the society is appealing for more men to take part in its productions.

Spokesman Rob Turner said: “Committee members have been involved in amateur theatre for 30 years and there has been a decline in younger men joining societies.

“It’s hard to put a finger on why except maybe the promoting and encouragement of the arts in secondary schools and colleges.

“We are forging ahead with our production of Half a Sixpence with auditions being held in January.

“We are looking out for a strong male lead with a playing age of 18-30 to be our leading man.

“If the current trend continues then we will have to be creative in our future show choices, focusing on mainly female casts.”

The society will begin casting on January 3 with audition workshops which will then lead to full auditions on January 13.

A date for the production has also been set, with the society running shows from June 5 to June 11 in 2022.

For more information, visit braintreemusicalsociety.com.