AFTER a troubled year the Landseer Players are letting Ipswich know 'the show must go on' with their new production of Cinderella, supported by the Evening Star.

By Victoria Knowles

AFTER a troubled year the Landseer Players are letting Ipswich know 'the show must go on' with their new production of Cinderella, supported by the Evening Star.

The theatre group has been going for more than 20 years and last year was a real test. They suffered a devastating fire at their storage unit and chairman Bill Last estimates the damage was up to £1,000.

Although they lost many of their props and scenery the group is up beat about the future.

Bill said: "The fire happened in early October last year at the unit we use behind Landseer Methodist Church. We were then starting rehearsals for Cinderella and so everything had to be put on hold.

"The cast was brilliant though and helped put the fire out. My philosophy is now that 'the show must go on' and we are really looking forward to performing at the Suffolk College," he added.

The group has been out-growing its venues as its productions become more and more popular. They started in All Hallows Church Hall and now they are hoping to fill 400 seats at their new venue at Suffolk College. The latest production is a real traditional family show and according to Bill and his wife Mo the rehearsals are great fun.

"We have lots of loyal supporters who come each year to see us. They mainly stem from East Ipswich. This new production is going to be great for all the family and we hope to fill all the seats," said Bill.

"The group get on so well together and this is why we have been going so long. Rehearsals are great fun and it is lovely to see the children of original cast members becoming involved," added Mo.

The Players are also looking for a bass guitarist to join then for their new production. If you are interested you can call Bill Last on Ipswich 411817.

All the money raised from their performances is donated to charities and this year the money will go to the Cancer in Suffolk Campaign.

Cinderella will run from February 14 to 16 with performances starting at 7.30pm and a matinee show on Saturday at 2.30pm.

For more information about the show and how to get tickets call Ipswich 715434 or 680363.