About CODS – CODS Crediton

Our story from 1965 to 2015 and beyond .......

Crediton Operatic Society, now known as CODS, began life in 1964 with a public meeting to form a G and S Society.

The first musical production ‘HMS Pinafore’ was staged in 1965. Over 60 people were involved in that production. A great achievement for a newly formed group.

The ‘Dramatic’ bit was added in 1972 and the first play was ‘The Chalk Garden’ followed up in the same year with Noel Coward’s Hay Fever.

CODS has an online archive illustrating the work of the Society. The archive buttons below are linked to an online gallery and dates back to the first productions in the 1960’s

1000’s of photographs bring to life the work of the Society since 1965. We also have a YouTube Channel with recording of items from our shows and our concerts.

Some of the photographs are of limited quality but do show the variety of productions and will bring back memories for the many people who have been involved with CODS over the years.

If you have any material that would ‘fill the gaps’ in our photo archive, please advise us by using the ‘Contact Us’ button on the main Menu.

HMS Pinafore cost approximately £280 to stage. Contrast this with our current main Musical Productions which cost on average about £15,000- £18,000 to produce.

There is no theatre in Crediton so each CODS production is staged in one of two halls at the local College Academy. Everything has to be transported and constructed at either of these halls, and of course, cleared away afterwards!

The transformation of the location and the quality of the productions in them, successfully transport our audiences out of the ‘school hall’ environment to the appropriate location of the action taking place.

Over the years a hallmark of the society has been the hard work of the people who enable the productions to be staged.

If you would like to join us please click the JOIN CODS link on our HOME PAGE to read about the many ways you can be involved in CODS.

CODS became a Limited Company in 2015, a move that should provide us with an even firmer footing to continue to grow and develop over the next 50 years.

Our story from 1965 to 2015 and beyond .......

Have a look at the very first CODS production HMS PINAFORE in March 1965. There is even a soundtrack of the the show!