Welcome
Welcome to caods – Chelmsford’s leading amateur musical and dramatic society. Providing local audiences with West End style quality productions since November 1920, caods uses professional directors and musicians to support its talented amateur cast. Affiliated to the National Operatic & Dramatic Association, caods has achieved rare status in winning numerous NODA awards for its productions in recent years.
caods present two shows a year at the Chelmsford Theatre, and with its newly refurbished, yet intimate auditorium, and state-of-the-art staging and lighting perfectly showcases the society’s top-drawer productions. caods appeal for Chelmsford audiences seems to be our ability to simultaneously surprise and delight. From Gershwin to Berlin, Lerner & Loewe to Lloyd Webber caods eclectic mix of musicals ensures continued success and an enviable reputation.
caods has charitable status and has been self-funding since its inception.
In Memory of Christopher Yorke-Edwards
Chelmsford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is proud to have supported the Friends at Broomfield Hospital in providing 25 new televisions for patients in the Renal Unit.
The project was made possible following a donation of £1,056.82, raised at our 2024 production of Kiss Me Kate, given in loving memory of Christopher Yorke-Edwards, a much-loved member of CAODS and a dialysis patient at Broomfield Hospital. The Friends at Broomfield Hospital generously added further funds of £3,943.18, enabling a full upgrade so that every patient now has access to a television during their treatment.
Dialysis sessions can last several hours, and access to television provides a welcome source of comfort and distraction during what can be a challenging time. We are honoured that our donation has contributed to improving the experience of patients in the Renal Unit, and we are grateful to the Friends of Broomfield Hospital for bringing this project to fruition
We Will Rock You Cast List
The audition day for We Will Rock You buzzed with excitement as our talented cast showcased their skills and passion, impressing the panel with their dedication. Their hard work promises an entertaining performance, making this show a must-see as we prepare to light up the stage.
Please find attached the cast list below!
caods celebrates 100 years
caods is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary! On 8 November 1920 the first public meeting of Chelmsford Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society was held at the Corn Exchange in Chelmsford ahead of their first production, HMS Pinafore. It is safe to say that we haven’t looked back since!
Since then caods has performed 171 shows, with only a break of eight years around WW2. Why not can take a look at our full History and Past Shows – here is our first cast member photo from HMS Pinafore performed in April 1921. caods have consistently pushed the limits of our Society to bring the best of theatre to Chelmsford, as can be seen by our many Awards.
Eric Smart at Broomfield Hospital Radio recently dedicated a show to 100 years of caods with memories and songs from our recent show. You can listen to the programme here.
From operas to dramas, circus tricks to full prosthetics and everything in between caods thank all our members, helpers, supporters and audiences over the years for our continued success. Here’s to another 100 years!