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 have achieved rare status in winning numerous NODA awards for its productions in recent years.
caods presents two shows a year at the Civic Theatre, and with its modern, 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.
Get the buns ready!
caods are now preparing for their next show which will hit the stage in May 2023. Some of our wonderful (and very brave!) members even posed for a Calendar Girls inspired charity calendar! All details will be announced via social media and on our Current Show page. Tickets are on sale here.
A group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women’s Institute decide to do things a little differently for their annual fundraising calendar, without realising how much of an impact their daring behaviours will have. In creating an artistic, nude calendar, we see each woman bloom in unexpected and fabulous ways. The true story of the Calendar Girls which launched a global phenomenon, has now been turned into this beautifully poignant musical written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow. Robyn Gowers will make her caods directorial debut and will be joined by Rachel Plunkett as Musical Director.
Amazing Shows Incoming
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 166 shows, with only a break of eight years around WW2. Why not can take a look at our full History and Past Shows – from our first cast member photo from HMS Pinafore performed in April 1921 to our most recent shows of Shrek The Musical in February 2020 and Sweet Charity in September 2021. 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.
In 2022 we are bringing “Kipps – The Half a Sixpence Musical” and “9-5 – The Musical” to the stage. We also received awards for our productions of “Shrek – The Musical” and “Sweet Charity“. caods are look forward to celebrating with our members and audiences in a slightly delayed manner.
From operas to dramas, circus tricks to full prosthetics and everything in between caods thanks all our members, helpers, supporters and audiences over the years for our continued success. Here’s to another 100 years!