It has been a big year already for CSODS (Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society) following their summer production of Evita at Cromer Pier. But planning on the next shows is already well underway, as MARTIN RODWELL reveals in his latest column.  

I must confess I’ve taken a brief sabbatical after directing Evita and a busy summer in my café.

Before I enlighten you all with what’s coming next from CSODS, may I first thank you all for the amazing support with our production of Evita - the accolades and praise for our achievements has been very overwhelming for all those involved in the production.

But that was then, and we now press on.

North Norfolk News: Sheringham Little TheatreSheringham Little Theatre (Image: Newsquest)So, what is next? Well, firstly our 2023/2024 programme has a certain theme to it - all our productions have new directors or debut directors for CSODS.

First up is Gary Clifton (alias Che from Evita) whose directorial debut is the wonderful Noël Coward classic comedy Blithe Spirit.

Auditions for the play were in June and rehearsals have been under way since July, and it’s a cracker!

Opening on October 18 and running until October 21 at Sheringham Little Theatre, tickets are on sale and are selling quickly.

Soon after the curtain comes down on Blithe Spirit, we set about the next play, Communicating Doors by Alan Ayckbourn.

North Norfolk News: Gary CliftonGary Clifton (Image: Andreas Yiasimi)Taking the reins on this production is director Simon Gilbert, certainly not new to the challenges of directing having directed seven previous plays but new to our society.

Simon and his wife Nicola moved to north Norfolk in 2022 and joined the CSODS for Evita. If you want to know more about Communicating Doors why not pop along to the read through and information night, October 4 at Cromer Junior School, 7.30pm.

Then it’s the lengthy process of staging 9-5 The Musical, with another directorial debut, Georgie Galloway.

Georgie comes with great experience of the stage having been the choreographer for us on a number of shows. Her pedigree is pretty impressive as well as she is the granddaughter of the late and much-loved Tony Nash, former mayor of Cromer.

The production is already in preliminary stages with set design starting. If you have a desire to get involved in this fun musical, then come along to the read/sing through and information night, October 31, 7.30pm at Cromer Junior School.

So that’s our programme of productions, certainly something for everyone and over the coming weeks and months I’ll attempt to enlighten you more on how we pull them together for your enjoyment.