Our Lockdown competition attracted entries of all kinds including a ‘Covid’ adapted version of The Nightmare Song from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe. The stresses of a Zoom call were ably expressed in a humorous, tongue twisting monologue by Jenny Saunders. Of course, it really needed to be sung at our prize giving ceremony in early September and we are grateful to Gareth Davies from the St David’s Players, Exeter’s G&S Society, for helping us make this happen. Gareth sang this hilarious rendition, with local pianist Roger Stephenson accompanying, and Jenny was delighted to see her piece performed in front of an enthusiastic audience in the town square. Emma Mills from Crediton, a long standing member of the St David’s Players, reports on the history of this popular society and how they have been coping with lockdown. 

Although all performances are on hold at the moment, planning for future shows continues, as long-standing CODS member Mike Palmer explains. 

On 20 March Crediton Arts Centre shut its doors along with venues across the country. Overnight the Centre lost its main source of income from hiring its two studio spaces and selling tickets for events. The building may be closed, but much is going on behind the scenes to keep this busy community space alive and ready to reopen once lockdown is lifted.