The Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society (CODS) are set to return to the stage this month with their take on a show based on the music of one of Britain’s most loved bands.

‘Our House’ uses the music of iconic ska band Madness to tell the story of Joe Casey, as CODS member Jake Higgins explains.

“On his sixteenth birthday Joe breaks into a building to impress a girl,” he said.

“When the police arrive his life splits into two and we follow the story of ‘good’ Joe, who gave himself up, and ‘bad’ Joe who ran away.”

The show was written in 2002 by Tim Firth and won an Olivier award for Best New Musical.

It features many of the classic hits Madness brought to the world, including ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘House of Fun’ and of course ‘Our House’.

Jake continued: “It also holds the Guinness World Record for the number of quick changes for the lead character – 29 onstage in total.

“That was slightly daunting but we do like a challenge!”

Jake, a Cheltenham local for all his life bar a stint away to study at the University of South Wales, has been performing since he was 13.

He joined CODS four years ago – “I saw they were doing ‘Legally Blonde’ and I had to get involved,” he said – and has been publicity manager for the last six months.

“There’s 22 of us in this show,” said Jake, who is part of the ensemble. “Rehearsals have been demanding but good fun.

“We’ve been learning routines with Lucy Hill who is making her choreographical debut – she’s been a breath of fresh air teaching us new tricks and styles.

“Tim Jones who is very well-known on the theatre scene is making his debut as a director, and Paul McLaughlin is our musical director – he worked with us on ‘Rent’ last year.”

‘Our House’ will be at the Cheltenham Playhouse from Friday 11th to Saturday 19th October.

Jake can’t wait for it to get underway, especially as they’ll be at what he describes as one of his “favourite ever” venues.

“The Playhouse is special because it’s got 180 seats which makes it really intimate.

“The way you can connect with the audience is unlike any other theatre I’ve been to.”

And connecting with the audience is something that he hopes this show will do.

He added: “The thing about Madness is everyone knows the songs, so it’s enjoyable but also a challenge to put our spin on things and give everyone a pleasant surprise.

“We want everyone to sing along and have fun.”

For more tickets and more information visit www.codsonline.co.uk