AN IPSWICH amateur theatre company is to start rehearsals this month for their next production, it has today been announced.

James Marston

AN IPSWICH amateur theatre company is to start rehearsals this month for their next production, it has today been announced.

Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society (IODS) begin preparations for Mel Brook's musical The Producers at Ipswich Labour Club in Silent Street on January 6.

Directed by James Hayward and choreographed by David Hockley, IODS will return to the Ipswich Regent theatre with the regional premiere of the Tony Award winning musical.

Auditions for the production take place on January 25 at St Matthew's Primary School.

IODS chairman Rod Lay said: “We are delighted to be returning to the Regent this year with this fantastic show. This is going to be great fun to perform.

“We are always welcoming new members and the pre-audition rehearsals are open to anyone who would like to come along and find out more about The Producers and the society.”

The Producers tells the story of failing theatre producer Max and former accountant Leo who concoct a plan to raise two million dollars for a theatrical production that must fail.

To be sure of a flop, they choose a musical with cheerful numbers about Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

After the failure of the show, Max and Leo will take the surplus cash and go to Rio but unfortunately for them, the production is a rip-roaring success.

For more information about the society call membership secretary Margaret Mudd on 01473 747034

The Producers will be performed at the Regent from June 17 to 20. Tickets are �16 and �14 and are available from the Ipswich Regent box office on 01473 433100.

Are you a fan of IODS? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk