Who was CODCO? Background for an appreciation of Andy Jones and Uncle Val

Andy Jones is well known to many through his association with the Newfoundland comedy troupe CODCO and later more so for his one man shows and the character Uncle Val who is the core of Andy's current show at the LSPU Hall.

For those who don't know who CODCO is we will start by simply naming the names.

The following is quoted from the Memorial University of Newfoundland Archives:

Who was CODCO?

CODCO (1973-1993) was made up of the following writers / performers:

Tommy Sexton (1973-93) Mary Walsh (1973-93) Diane Olsen (1973-76) Bob Joy (1974-76)Cathy Jones (1973-93) Andy Jones (1974-90) Greg Malone (1973-93)

Paul Sametz played "the neighbour" for the original Toronto run of "Cod On A Stick." When the show was brought to St. John's, Scott Strong replaced Sametz, but he also left before the show toured Newfoundland. Maisie Rillie and Mary White, known simply as White, performed with the troupe on occasion and both also served as manager, White for the Toronto run of "Cod On A Stick" and the television series in the 1980s and 90s, Rillie for the other stage shows in the 1970s. Greg Thomey occasionally worked with the troupe on the television series as both a performer and writer. Guitarist Sandy Morris composed the theme music for the television series and became musical director when it went national.

Source of the above:

The Papers of CODCO (Theatre Company) COLL-121 Arranged and Described by Gail Weir Archives and Manuscripts Division, Memorial University of NewfoundlandDecember 1998