THERE can be no greater honour than to be asked by your fellow members to oversee a production.

CODS has been extremely lucky that over the past few years members coming forward have included Heather Barlow, Holly Harris, Carol Stoyle, Paul Walker and Nikki Wilkes.

Add to this list the incredible choreographic skills of Georgia Steer and the future addition of Lyndsey Betts and it can be seen that there is a wealth of talent within the group.

A Director is still only a small part of an incredible team of volunteers who do their best to bring a production to the people of Crediton.

Having to convert a School Hall into a performing space capable of seating an audience of 150 needs careful planning and without a set design team, set construction team, stage crew, wardrobe team, Publicity team, Front of House team and, in more recent times, a chaperone team then nothing would be achieved on stage.

For six months the cast meet initially weekly to rehearse what needs to be brought to the stage which then increases to two or three times as the show gets ever closer.

As a Director it is always important to remember that this is just a hobby for everyone. Rehearsals should be fun while at the same time aiming to get everyone to the best possible standard.

This year’s rendition of “Beauty and the Beast” is a magnificent production to help celebrate CODS 60th anniversary.

A well known Disney classic, the stage show follows a similar storyline to the often seen film but with some extremely beautiful songs added.

There are five incredibly difficult numbers for the ensemble to learn which has kept Georgia busy over the weeks with her inspired vision.

These will be worth the ticket money on their own. As with any musical, the soloists will lead the audience through the story with their songs and dialogue.

This year it has been a pleasure to work with so many new members who were obviously drawn to join CODS due to the popularity of the show. Hopefully many have enjoyed their time and will stick around for future productions.

So with just under five weeks to go until opening night the excitement is building from everyone to bring our production to you all.

Tickets are on sale and have been selling exceptionally well through our Box Office: www.codsonline.com or: https://buytickets.at/codscrediton/1511873 .

The show runs from Tuesday, April 15 to Saturday, April 19 with matinees on both the Friday and Saturday.

When asked to write this article I have been keen to stress how a Director is only part of a team. But the best bit is yet to come.

At 7pm on Tuesday, April 15 my role has finished and then, just like you, I can sit back, relax and watch with awe as the fruits of everyone’s labour comes to life and the wonder of “Beauty and the Beast” is revealed in all its glory. You really don’t want to miss this one!

Mike Canning

Director