CREDITON Society CODS, formerly Crediton Operatic and Dramatic Society, certainly has more than its fair share of talent amongst its ranks.

On Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16, CODS presented sell-out musical evenings at the Boniface Centre in Crediton.

Everyone who went along was blown away by the standards of the choral section of the Society which seems to improve with every performance.

So popular are these musical evenings that tickets are always sold-out to Friends of the Society before going on general release.

The evenings were entitled “My Way” and Act One comprised a Jersey Boys Selection featuring the songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, “You Raise Me Up” arranged by Roger Emerson, a duet by Helen Clarke and Bec Gooding, “True Colours” by Cyndi Lauper and “Sloop John B” by Brian Wilson with the intro sung by John Musty and Paul Walker.

Then followed “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton, a duet by Gillian Mackenzie and Craig Phoenix (“What Part of My Body” by Jim Steinman, “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton with the intro sung by Ruth Towers, “Fields of Athenry” by the full choir, a duet by Stephanie Morgan and Adam Gould with “Only Us” by Ben Platt and Laura Dreyfuss and “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri and the intro sung by Rosanna Clark.

Georgia Steer sang a solo, “Suddenly I see” by KT Tunstall which was followed by “Open Arms” arranged by Kirby Shaw, a solo by Nikki Wilkes singing “On My Own” from “Les Miserables” and “One Day More” from “Les Miserables” with the intro sung by Jason Bomford and Nikki Wilkes.

Act Two included “Time Warp” from “The Rocky Horror Show” with Carol Stoyle, Nicky Gould, Yvonne Youles and Alan Baker, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John with the soloist Jason Bomford followed by “Sway” arranged by Kirby Shaw.

Then followed “The Prayer” by Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster, a solo by Mike Canning, “My Way by Frank Sinatra, “Angels” by Robbie Williams, a duet by Kate Norman and Andy Peel, “I See The Light” from Tangled and “Proud Mary” by Kielbasa’s and Tina Turner.

Then followed a duet by Jo and Leila Hooper, “Slow Down” by Nichole Nordeman, “Life In A Northern Town” by The Dream Academy, a solo by Buffy May, “Don’t Forget Me” from “Smash”, “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter and “Mr Blue Sky” by ELO.

Musical Director was Mike Canning with Guest Conductor Nikki Wilkes.

The band comprised Allan on keys, Frazer on guitar, Phil on bass and Dean on Drums with Emily on flute.

During the evening gifts were presented to Mike Canning ahead of his handing over the mantle of musical director of the choral section to Nikki Wilkes.

“Mike said: “I never thought in my wildest dreams that when I took over the Choral section it would be for 25 years but finally I am delighted to pass the mantle to Nikki.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has sung, played, worked behind the scenes and supported our group during this time.

“It has been an absolute pleasure with so many highs.”

A delicious meal, prepared by Elaine Gregory, was served to the audience during the evening.