An Ipswich amateur dramatic group which has raised thousands of pounds for local good causes is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary.
The Springfield Follies was set up in 1948 to raise funds for Springfield Junior School by Bert Taylor, Vic and Elise Sharman and members of the school’s Parents and Teachers Association.
Since then the group has staged a pantomime every year – and are preparing to wow the crowds yet again with their 70th show, Cinderella.
To mark the anniversary, the group are drawing on an adaptation of founding member Vic Sherman’s original script, recreating the troupe’s first-ever pantomime.
On June 30 next year, the Follies are putting on a big anniversary bash – and hope as many former performers as possible come along to say hello.
Carolyn Pettman, who has been a member of the Follies since she was aged 11, says the group is a great way to have fun and make new friends.
“We give money every year to three different local charities or groups, she said.
“We donate it to the different groups after every pantomime.
“The Springfield Follies is very much a family group.
“For example we have our musical director – his wife is the treasurer and their two girls are in the cast as well.
“My father was in the group too, he was a drummer. I started when I was 11, and I’m still going at the age of 67, although I did have a break when I had my children.
“I have made a lot of friends in the group.”
Mrs Pettman said she was looking forward to seeing former cast members and crew at the group’s anniversary in June.
She said: “The anniversary will be really lovely with all the people coming back and we are hoping to show videos of our previous pantos.”
Mrs Pettman said the group are always keen to attract new members.
The Follies are putting on five performances of Cinderella at Kesgrave Community Centre from Saturday, January 27, to Saturday, February 3.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.springfieldfollies.org.uk
If you are a former member and would like to attend the Follies’ anniversary get-together contact Carolyn Pettman at carolynrobert@talktalk.net
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here