IT is now just over five weeks until the opening night of CODS next production “The Sound of Music” and there are less than 400 tickets left to sell. The show runs at Crediton’s Queen Elizabeth’s Barnfield campus from Monday, April 18 to Saturday, April 23.

Evening performances start at 7.30pm and there is a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £12.50 for concessions and £10 for Under 16s.

They can be ordered by visiting the CODS website: www.codsonline.com and going through the Box Office link or by emailing Mike Canning on: [email protected]  or by visiting the Old Town Hall, Searle Street between 6pm and 7.30pm on a Wednesday evening when rehearsals are in full flow.

Like many musicals “The Sound of Music” film has been adapted to become a stage show.

Yes there will be many parts that will be recognisable but the roles of both Max (Paul Tebbit) and Elsa (Jo Hooper) have been developed to allow them to have a singing role.

Under the co-ordination of Paul Walker, the many departments needed to support the cast have now started their preparation in earnest.

The many costumes needed are being either sourced from a contact in Ringwood, Dorset or being collated by the team of Buffy May, Leala Watson and Bec Gooding.

Our advertising is being stepped up with posters being displayed around the town by Yvonne Youles.

The banner on the A377, erected thanks to Andy Kirby and Gillian Mackenzie, photos being taken by Mike Palmer and our social media presence overseen by Josh Sanders.

Many of you may have skills that you would be willing to share so now is the time to contact us.

The hours spent by any cast in rehearsals come to nothing if they are not supported by volunteers able to offer their skills.

Often these people would never want to “tread the boards” but do wish to be involved in productions such as this.

CODS is always keen to have new people come forward and this year we are especially keen in attracting any of you who might be interested in getting involved with set construction.

This show has a magnificent set designed by Gillian Mackenzie but it obviously takes quite a lot of skill to build so if you are able to help with this, or are keen to become part of the backstage crew, helping wardrobe, front of house or anything else then please contact me as Director on: [email protected] .

We rely so much on the generosity of those who appear both onstage and offstage to make our productions as “professional” as we are able.

If you’ve ever thought you’d like to get involved with our group then this could be the time so we look forward to hearing from you or seeing you in the audience next month.

Mike Canning