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.
On Sale Now!
Get ready to experience the captivating true story of Come From Away as CAODS are thrilled to announce that tickets for our much-anticipated production are now on sale!
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable run from Wednesday 23 September to Saturday 26 September 2026, with a matinee performance on the 26th at 15:00. Don’t miss your chance to secure your tickets through the box office or conveniently online via the Chelmsford Theatre website and join us on this incredible journey.
Set in Gander, Newfoundland, the musical unfolds in the days following September 11, 2001, when U.S. airspace was closed and 38 international flights carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to the town The story focuses on both the locals of Gander and the stranded travellers, exploring their fear, confusion, and the extraordinary generosity that emerges in a crisis
VOTE US FOR THE PANIC AWARDS!
Join us in celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of our productions by participating in the Panic Awards voting process Your input is invaluable and every nomination matters whether it’s for the enchanting Musicals Unleashed the remarkable talents of Claire Carr and Sallie Warrington or the exceptional performances of our dedicated cast We encourage you to put forward your preferred actor and supporting actor from our musicals and let us also acknowledge the outstanding independent shows like Made In Dagenham and We Will Rock You. Together, let’s honour the creativity and passion that make our performances unforgettable.
A thank you
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