THE Boniface Centre in Crediton was rocking to Sounds of the 80’s when Crediton Society, CODS choral section presented two musical evenings.

On both Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20, full audiences were treated to fantastic singing by Society members at their annual evening concerts.

The CODS singers with the National Operatic and Dramatic Association President Graham Liverton, CODS chair Holly Harris, sponsor Paul Steer and Mrs Steer and right, Mike Canning, Musical Director. AQ 3500
The CODS singers with the National Operatic and Dramatic Association President Graham Liverton, CODS chair Holly Harris, sponsor Paul Steer and Mrs Steer and right, Mike Canning, Musical Director. AQ 3500 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The iconic names of musicians from the 1980’s included Lional Ritchie, David Bowie and Mick Jagger, Elton John, The Police, Tears for Fears, Bonnie Tyler, ABBA, Bette Midler, Prince and Toto.

Others included Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Madonna, from Blood Brothers, from Chess, Bonnie Tyler, Starship, Survivor and Barry Manilow.

As well as excellent chorus singing, there were solo, duet, trio performances from the talented CODS members and even a dance routine.

There was also a guest performance from CODS Crediton Youth Theatre Academy members, who remembered nothing of the 80's!

Singers on stage with Musical Director Mike Canning for CODS Sounds of the 80’s evening. AQ 3467
Singers on stage with Musical Director Mike Canning for CODS Sounds of the 80’s evening. AQ 3467 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

CODS members served food to the audience on each of the September musical evenings. AQ 3452
CODS members served food to the audience on each of the September musical evenings. AQ 3452 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

As well as being entertained by the wonderful singing, audiences were served a two-course meal of Lasagne and garlic bread followed by either Black Forest Gateau or Lemon Meringue Pie.

Musical Director was Mike Canning and for the Youth Theatre, CODS chair Holly Harris.

CODS Crediton Youth Theatre Academy members sang a madly of 80’s hits each evening. AQ 3507
CODS Crediton Youth Theatre Academy members sang a madly of 80’s hits each evening. AQ 3507 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Hazel Evely, Morrisons Community Champion, helped by accepting donations for Crediton Foodbank as audience members left the 80’s evenings. AQ 3514
Hazel Evely, Morrisons Community Champion, helped by accepting donations for Crediton Foodbank as audience members left the 80’s evenings. AQ 3514 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The band comprised Allan on Keys, Frazer on Guitar, Phil on Bass and Dean on Drums.

Rehearsal Pianist was Karen Scott, Lighting by David Simms and Sound by Oscar Modern.

At the end of the evening donations were accepted for CODS charity of the year, Crediton Foodbank.

Some of the CODS singers during the Sounds of the 80’s evening. AQ 3543
Some of the CODS singers during the Sounds of the 80’s evening. AQ 3543 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Mike Canning, Musical Director and Holly Harris, Chair, with National Operatic and Dramatic Association President Graham Liverton and Regional Representative Katie Jones. AQ 3556
Mike Canning, Musical Director and Holly Harris, Chair, with National Operatic and Dramatic Association President Graham Liverton and Regional Representative Katie Jones. AQ 3556 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

CODS will present “Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood” at the Old Town Hall from December 20 to 22.

Next year, from Monday, April 13 to Saturday, April 18, CODS will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamboat” at QE School Lower School Hall at the Barnfield Campus. There will be evening performances at 7.30pm and a matinee on the Saturday.

Some of the CODS singers during the Sounds of the 80’s evening. AQ 3523
Some of the CODS singers during the Sounds of the 80’s evening. AQ 3523 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)