KEEP your hair on! A mum and daughter team are today preparing more than 30 wigs for the latest production by the Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic society (IODS).

KEEP your hair on!

A mum and daughter team are today preparing more than 30 wigs for the latest production by the Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic society (IODS).

Christine Robinson and Sophie Bannister - who are business partners at salon Robinsons Hair and Beauty in Norwich Road, Ipswich - are responsible for the wigs, used by almost all the cast members and worth up to �200 each.

The wigs will feature during the society's latest show, The Producers.

Mrs Robinson has organised wigs for the society's productions for the last 38 years.

The 55-year-old said: “Wigs are an integral part of the costume, especially if you are doing a period piece - you cannot have a modern hairstyle with period costumes. The costume isn't right if the hair isn't right.

“During a show most people will have at least one wig and some two or three during the performance. It is our job to find the wigs, look after them during the run of the show and keep them looking their best.”

Daughter Sophie, 24, who is performing as a dancer in The Producers, said some of the wigs use real human hair while others are made of synthetic material.

She said: “In one scene we all have to dress up as little old ladies, including the men, with handbags and Zimmer frames so we need 25 wigs for that scene.

“Many are owned by the society but we also hire wigs as well. We then set them, comb them through, clean them and hand them out to the performers each night of the show.”

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.

The Producers will be performed at the Regent theatre 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