AS we are all relaxing for a few days over the Christmas period, CODS members are well into making plans for their April show.

In April 2018 we followed Made in Dagenham, a modern show, with the amazing Witchfinder, an historical epic, which was a brave choice and most rewarding show to perform.

For April 2019 we have chosen what you might call a “classic” show.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel is essentially a love story, about a heroine who is wonderfully wholesome, just like the girl next door, and the hero who is a troubled soul with fatal character weaknesses.

Set on the coast of New England at the end of the 19th Century, it’s a story full of well-known songs, wonderful dance scenes and plenty of action!

The main parts have been auditioned and on the first Wednesday of the New Year (January 3) our director, Ben Edgecombe and choreographer Amy Charles, get to work with most of the cast.

However the cast is not yet complete! And, in keeping with many of CODS previous shows, we are looking for young performers to come and join us to tell this story.

We are looking for young people from the age of eight and upwards to be part of the show, to join in the many chorus numbers as well as taking on some smaller speaking and named roles.

Our first opportunity for our young performers to work together is a Workshop we are holding on Sunday, January 13 from 1pm in the Old Town Hall, Crediton (entrance in Searle Street).

This workshop will involve working with Ben. There’ll be work on singing, dancing and acting, plus a mixture of drama games etc.

We already have a few names from previous shows with CODS, but if you would like to join us for the workshop, all you have to do is turn up!

If you’re interested in performing, or know anyone who is interested in performing, don’t be shy … just come along and join us.

Come and meet Ben and Amy and other members of CODS, have a fun afternoon and find out all about taking part in the show.

Incidentally we will also be looking for volunteers to become chaperones for this production. If this is something you are interested in, then please do get in touch via the email address: [email protected] .

Carousel is a great favourite, and we intend to produce the show in an exciting way, bringing the drama and tension, as well as the music, to life very close to our audiences. Hopefully getting them sitting on the edge of their seats and emotionally involved with all the action!

Just like sitting on a fairground carousel, it should be quite a ride!

Mike Palmer