THE reviews are in and they all pour praise on CODS which staged Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to full houses for each of its seven recent performances.

Richard Betts, a newcomer to CODS, played the part of Pharaoh, the ruler with an Elvis-like swagger.
Richard Betts, a newcomer to CODS, played the part of Pharaoh, the ruler with an Elvis-like swagger. (Rory Oliver Photography)

The CODS cast with Kay Rowan, NODA National President, standing left, and Lyn Burgoyne, NODA SW rep (District 5), standing right, with Holly Harris, director, standing centre. AQ 8258
The CODS cast with Kay Rowan, NODA National President, standing left, and Lyn Burgoyne, NODA SW rep (District 5), standing right, with Holly Harris, director, standing centre. AQ 8258 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved family musical retells the legendary biblical story of Jacob, his 12 sons, and the whirlwind Technicolor adventures of Joseph as he journeys from Canaan to Egypt.

It featured eye-popping costumes, lively choreography, and unforgettable songs including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph,” and “Close Every Door.”

A feel-good spectacle filled with humour, heart, and hope, there was a vibrant mix of musical styles.

Joseph with his amazing technicolour dreamcoat. Oliver Photography 
Joseph with his amazing technicolour dreamcoat. Rory Oliver Photography (Rory Oliver Photography)

During one of the dance routines from CODS Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
During one of the dance routines from CODS Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. (Rory Oliver Photography)

Kay Rowan, the National President of NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association), travelled from Hampshire to attend and said afterwards: “I was transported to the land of Canaan, to a time when life felt relatively calm. CODS took us on an eventful journey to Egypt, making full use of the entire theatre space and vibrant, colourful costumes to bring each stage of the story vividly to life.

"It was an immersive production, performed by a youthful cast brimming with talent and commitment. Every element had clearly been thoughtfully crafted, coming together to truly captivate and delight the audience.”

Jacob, played by Mike Canning, with the narrators Vicky Lancelets and Dani Gwyn and other cast members on stage.
Jacob, played by Mike Canning, with the narrators Vicky Lancelets and Dani Gwyn and other cast members on stage. (Rory Oliver Photography)

Jaimie Page-Smith was outstanding in the title role of Joseph. Images by Rory Oliver Photography
Jaimie Page-Smith was outstanding in the title role of Joseph. Images by Rory Oliver Photography (Rory Oliver Photography)

Mike Palmer of Crediton said CODS met high expectations and exceeded them.

“Congratulations CODS. Very well done to you all. Couldn’t stop smiling and wanting to sing along!”

He told CODS it was "a sparkling production that you all should be very proud of”.

Kay Rowan, NODA National President, left, and Lyn Burgoyne, NODA SW rep (District 5), with Jaimie Page-Smith, who played Joseph. AQ 8269
Kay Rowan, NODA National President, left, and Lyn Burgoyne, NODA SW rep (District 5), with Jaimie Page-Smith, who played Joseph. AQ 8269 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The scene where Joseph is taken away to be sold into slavery.
The scene where Joseph is taken away to be sold into slavery. (Rory Oliver Photography)

He added “praise to all the cast, to your special Joseph, his brothers, the wives, the Egyptians, everyone else, and of course your lovely narrators. This all supported by Simon and his band of brothers, hidden away backstage.

“Finally to Holly and Lyndsey, huge congratulations and appreciation of the efforts you have put in over the whole period of the production.”