My Way

MY WAY

A concert evening from Crediton Operatic Dramatic Society.

16th September 2023

Boniface Centre, Church Lane, Crediton

M.D. Mike Cannings

It is always a pleasure to meet up with the family of CODS and believe me they are a family. My husband and I received a kind invitation to their annual concert and having never attended before I was advised by a fellow Noda colleague that it would be a very good evening. I was not disappointed. We were greeted warmly by members of the society and shown to our seats. 

This was the final concert for Mike Canning as the musical director and conductor of the company’s concerts for many years and also a long-standing member and performer with them. 

Mike would be standing down as MD after this concert and handing the batten over to Nicola Wilks and I expected it to be an emotional journey for both and their audiences, which it was. 

The choice of music was eclectic from a beautiful Irish folk song ‘Fields of Athenry’ to Les Miserables, from songs of the musicals to those from stage, screen and Top of the Pops.  

I was completely and utterly blown away by the chorus numbers which were beautifully sung with incredible harmonies. They must have rehearsed for hours to achieve this clarity of performance. 

There were a number of duets and solos, which were expertly handled by the talented individual members of the company. A stunning and poignant duet from a proud mum and her talented daughter brought the audience to their feet and it did not stop there. Every number was greeted with furious applause and audience members on their feet, clapping and cheering. I, personally, cannot begin to tell you all how much I enjoyed the evening and how much it meant to me to be invited. My spirits were firmly lifted by the company and the wonderful band that accompanied them with flutists to boot. Well done indeed to Alan Fouracre and his team of talented musicians. 

The beautiful rendition of Mr Blue Sky at the end of the concert in memory of a fellow thespian and a dear friend to the society, Chris Barlow, was expertly composed in four parts and sung by the company with real emotion and joy. This was not only touching but reduced most of us to tears.

What a wonderful concert from a very talented company and a triumph for Mike Canning, who cleverly put together a programme of music that touched us all and had us singing along at times, too. I must make special mention of Mike and his incredibly emotional rendition of My Way which was met with a standing ovation by everyone.  Mike is, and has been, an inspiration to his fellow performers throughout many years (sorry to mention the years so much, Mike) and a stalwart of Crediton Operatic Dramatic Society and will continue to be so as he hands over the musical director’s baton to Nicola. I wish her every success.  

We were not only treated to a fabulous concert but also a very delicious meal. I would like to thank those involved in providing us with a delightful meal and the apple pie was moreish with added hot custard! 

Thank you, again, CODS, for your warmth, your welcome, your amazing performances and I give credit to you all as a family of performers. You bring such enjoyment and entertainment to your town and beyond and I know you will continue to do so with musicals, concerts and pantomimes for many years to come.

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda Representative – Mid and East Devon

 

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