WHAT a performance — 93-years old and still dancing.

That's St Philips AODS, the second oldest amateur dramatic society in Bolton.

It was formed in 1925 by the church choirmaster of the time. The first show performed by the society was "The King of Sherwood" in 1927.

It took 18 months of preparation and rehearsal before it took to the stage in the parochial hall, next to church, with all shows staged there except for a short period during the late 1960s and early 1970s, when repairs were desperately need on the roof.

Plays were staged at Bolton Little Theatre, the then Bolton Technical College and Bolton School.

The theatre company remained at the parochial hall until it was sold by the church in 2015 and the search was on for a new home, which they secured at Commerce House in Bridgeman Place — where they stage their productions today.

Chairwoman of the society, Heather Ogden said: "St Philips have had their claim to fame on more than one occasion. In 1967 whilst performing 'Gipsy Barron' there was great excitement backstage when the leading performers were recalled to perform in the original opportunity Knocks with Hughie Green, this was the X- Factor of the day — for those too young to remember — and they only just made it back to Bolton with moments to spare before the curtain went up!"

She added: "In 1983 one of the junior performers took the lead role and performed in the professional touring production of 'Oliver' at the Palace Theatre Manchester staring alongside Roy Hudd.

"He then went on to perform in the TV series of 'Jossy's Giants'."

To give young people the opportunity to experience being on stage, the society founded the junior workshop.

Heather said: "In order to offer the opportunity for young people to appear on stage grow new talent and encourage the youth of Bolton, the society founded the junior workshop In 1991 which has grown in popularity over the last 27 years with some young members making a career out of being on stage and performing professionally all over the world."

She added: "The junior’s most recent achievement has been to win four awards at the Greater Manchester Drama Federation One Act Play Festival.

"The society is run totally on a voluntary basis and many people work tirelessly year after year to make the society a success.

"The society recently held an awards dinner and gave eight members long service awards in all totalling 330years service."

Heather said: "And with the junior workshop going from strength to strength there should be no reason they can’t continue for another 330 years.

" St Philips prides itself on being an all-inclusive society where everyone is always welcome for further information on joining ring 07748195704 or check out the St Philips Facebook page."