EVERY time the cast of CODS get together, be it in small groups or large full cast rehearsals, "Carousel" becomes more and more alive. The soloists perfect their songs, the chorus numbers buzz with energy, and the dancers and actors all become more confident with their performances. And so the magic of live theatre begins to evolve.

It can be very hard work, and quite disjointed at times, but anyone who has performed in musicals or plays knows there are those moments when the show takes on a new feel, and the plot begins to wrap itself around with feelings and emotion, laughter and sadness as the story emerges.

Well this is certainly happening to CODS production of this evocative Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

As was mentioned in our last article "Carousel" was based on a 1909 play by Hungarian playwright Ferenc Molnár. Rogers and Hammerstein’s reworked version of this was first performed in 1945.

It is extraordinary that going back to something written 74 years ago, or 113 years in the case of the original play, that much of the story and the portrayal of the characters in it, is still so relevant today.

Take the part of Billy for example, he’s likeable, none too reliable, rather easily led and hasn’t done much with his life. His character would be at home in "Eastenders" or "Coronation Street".

So would the character of Julie, the girl next door, the good looking nice to everyone sort of girl. Being poor can result in violence and lead to bad choices being made, missed opportunities and bitter regrets.

To write a story, you choose a time and a place for it to happen. Fill it with characters, all with different natures. Then find a plot where these characters not only tell the story but also show all their human strengths and frailties.

The story of "Carousel" is set in New England, a small coastal town where the main work is connected with fishing and whaling. The time is around the late 1800’s to the turn of the century. The plot is essentially a love story that goes wrong.

Billy Bigelow works as a barker on the carousel. His job is to drum up business and his main tactic for doing this is flirting with all the girls. When he takes a fancy to just one girl, his boss, the redoubtable Mrs Mullins, is angry with him. There is a big argument and he is fired on the spot.

Amazingly the young lady at the centre of all this is a girl who is quite unlike any girl Billy has ever dated before.

In fact Julie Jordan has never even had a boyfriend, but somehow she and Billy are attracted to one another. I suppose they say opposites attract in matters of the heart.

Without giving away too much further detail, we will just say that eventually Julie and Billy are married. Billy still can’t find work, largely because of his unreliable reputation.

He becomes frustrated and rows badly with Julie, his lack of control results in him hitting her. The timing couldn’t be worse as she was just about to tell him he is to be a father.

With this news Billy determines he must provide for his new family. But how when he hasn’t even got a job? Falling back on the weaker side of his character he listens to an unscrupulous acquaintance named Jigger.

Jigger persuades Billy that there is an easy way to make money ... and lots of it! From here on in things do not go well for Billy.

To find out what happens come and see the show!

The tickets are on sale and available from Olivia James in the High Street (Telephone 01363 777968) or you can click on the CODS website Box Office: www.codsonline.com .

Come and join us and see this lovely show … Oh, and please remember to invite your friends.

Mike Palmer