CO2 Fame Auditions

March 16, 2020

Following the latest government advice to reduce social contact wherever possible due the risk of spreading coronavirus, we regret to inform you that the scheduled CO2 audition session on Wednesday 18th March and previously advertised rehearsal and audition sessions on 25th and 29th March are now postponed.

We hope to continue with our production of Fame in due course and will update you as soon as possible.

Take care.

Ann Taylor
CO2 Chairperson

CO2 Fame workshop

March 15, 2020

Our CO2 Fame workshop is still going ahead as planned. This is in line with current government advice. We will continue to keep informed regarding the COVID-19 virus situation in the UK and follow all government advice. We will be ensuring all workshop attendees wash or sanitise their hands on arrival. If anyone who was planning to attend has a temperature and new persistent cough they should stay at home as per government advice. You can read the current government advice on staying at home here.

CO2 Fame workshop & auditions

February 19, 2020

We are very pleased and excited to announce that out next CO2 show will be Fame, which will be performed at the Merucry Theatre, soon after it re-opens in the Autumn.

We are also really excited to announce it will be directed & Choreographed by Charlie Morgan, who choreographed and assisted in our Oliver collaboration with the Mercury and choreographed the most recent Mercury Panto, Cinderella, as well as having many other professional credits to her name.

Our Musical Director is the lovely Richard Harrison, who was the MD for our recent COS concert and has played in the band for many of our Mercury productions in the last few years as well as being the current head of music at Stanway secondary school.

If you are aged between 11 and 23 years old and think you would like to be part of this production please see the information in the poster below. You can download a registration form to complete here and email it back to us on co2theatre@hotmail.co.uk.

Dare to be Different concert tickets on sale!

January 21, 2020

Get your tickets and Dare to be different!

The cast of our upcoming concert “Dare to be different” have been working hard (and having fun!) at rehearsals ready for February!

With a story and dialogue woven through the set list, this is much more than just a concert! Our director, Katie Cutmore, has crafted a show that depicts how our society aspires for everyone to be “normal” and “perfect”, but that as individuals we are different, “want to break free”, be accepted for our individuality and difference, “make our own kind of music” and even stand out from the crowd!

Katie has got the cast “Whipped into shape” with her choreography and direction along with our Musical Director, Richard Harrison, who has ensured there are wonderful harmonies throughout all our chorus numbers – and there are lots of chorus numbers for you to enjoy!

So let our cast entertain you with a diverse range of songs from musicals & pop culture that will make the venue “Come alive” and have you wanting to show your “True colours” and join them in their celebration of difference!

Photo above: The DTBD cast rehearsing their choreography

You can get your tickets for the 12th – 15th February performances at the Headgate Theatre via the Headgate Theatre’s website (or Box Office 01206 36600) and for the 22nd Feb performance at Lion Walk church via the Lepra website.

Photo above & below: Our DTBD cast rehearsing hard

What our creative team say…

“I am proud of every member of the cast. I have given them many challenges in this show and as always they rise to them. This sometimes creates challenges for me as Director, to ensure I am supporting them to meet the challenge and thinking creatively if things need adapting to ensure everyone can take part to the best of their ability. I am also proud of the show we have created. Audiences are in for a great evening of entertainment.”

Katie Cutmore, Director & Chair of Colchester Operatic Society

“It has been a pleasure to work with Katie and the cast and to watch this concert take shape. The diverse musical programme calls for such a breadth of style and technique, from Streisand to Matilda to Humpty Dumpty! Lots of challenge, lots of characters and lots of laughs!”

Richard Harrison, Musical Director

Photo Above: Having fun at rehearsals!

What our Cast say…

“Feeling super proud to be part of another COS concert with such a fabulous group of talented individuals. Being in ‘Dare to be different’ has reminded me of one of my favourite song lyrics (thank you Backstreet Boys) ‘What makes you different, makes you beautiful’”

Sarah Miles, Cast Member

“I’m proud to be performing again after a gap of several years and particularly proud to be performing with COS. As P.T. Barnum says ‘No-one ever made a difference by being like everyone else’”

Kate Cavill, Cast Member

And remember – Don’t conform…perform!

95th Anniversary Ball

October 27, 2019

To celebrate our Society’s 95th Anniversary this year we are hosting a celebration Ball on 9th November 2019 7.30pm at Colchester stadium.

There will be fun, fizz, food and music. Dress code – Glamorous!

Members, past members and supporters of the society plus their guests are invited and can purchase tickets from Eventbrite for £22.15 (including booking fee). If you choose to pay on the door it will be £25 cash, so worth booking those tickets early!

Hope to see lots of you there to celebrate with us.