CODS, Crediton’s Operatic and Dramatic Society, never fails to impress!

On Friday and Saturday, September 18and 19, CODS held its September Evening Concerts at the Boniface Centre in Crediton.

All You Need is Love sung by CODS, video Alan Quick

I Wanna Dance with Somebody, sung by CODS with soloist Buffy May, video Alan Quick

Singing Combine Harvester by The Wurzels were Graham Wallis, Tom Whitmore, John Musty and Paul Walker. AQ 1357
Singing Combine Harvester by The Wurzels were Graham Wallis, Tom Whitmore, John Musty and Paul Walker. AQ 1357 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Singers ready to take to the stage. AQ 1288
Singers ready to take to the stage. AQ 1288 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The theme for the evenings was UK No 1 Hits.

The supper evenings saw more than 100 in the audience each evening, enjoying the main course of cottage pie and peas before the concert began and dessert of apple crumble and custard during the interval.

Only You, sung by four members of CODS, video Alan Quick

CODS singers ready to sing for the evening concerts. AQ 1295
CODS singers ready to sing for the evening concerts. AQ 1295 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
CODS singers ready to take to the stage. AQ 1306
CODS singers ready to take to the stage. AQ 1306 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The choir of CODS singers, more than 35 talented singers, not only sang during the evenings but also served the food to the audiences.

There were stunning harmonies, familiar favourites and plenty of musical moments to enjoy.

The power of music had a celebratory feel and it proved what talent there is in the Crediton area.

Run sung by CODS with soloist Erin Zorlu, video Alan Quick

Ready to sing UK No 1 Hits in Crediton are these CODS members. AQ 1313
Ready to sing UK No 1 Hits in Crediton are these CODS members. AQ 1313 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
CODS singers on stage. AQ 1323
CODS singers on stage. AQ 1323 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Musical Director was Mike Canning with the band comprising Allan on keys, Frazer on guitar, Phil on bass and Dean on drums.

Chris Welch was in charge of lighting and sound and rehearsal pianist was Karen Scott.

Mike Canning, CODS Musical Director. AQ 1327
Mike Canning, CODS Musical Director. AQ 1327 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
A duo singing during one of the CODS evening concerts. AQ 1338
A duo singing during one of the CODS evening concerts. AQ 1338 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The first half included All You Need is Love (The Beatles), Stand by Me (Ben E King) with soloist Zoe Westman, Beneath Your Beautiful (Labrinth) by Jason Bamford and Tasha Currie, Someone Like You (Adele) by Cecilia Brayley and Charlotte Ireland, Only You (Flying Pickets) by Bridget Garrod, Carolyn Stoyle, Rachel Griffiths and Ruth Towers, Shallow (Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper) by Jo and Leila Hooper, I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston) by Buffy May and Uptown Funk (Bruno Mars).

A soloist during one of the CODS evening concerts. AQ 1367
A soloist during one of the CODS evening concerts. AQ 1367 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The second half saw many favourites, Combine Harvester causing much amusement, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, which everyone joined in with, with many more soloists and duets by CODS members.

The evenings raised funds for CODS charity this year, the Amber Foundation.

Audiences were treated to wonderful evenings of music, harmony and beautiful voices.