CO-OP Juniors are today celebrating record audiences for their annual Christmas Spectacular. Performed at Snape Maltings, the show attracted more than 9,000 people during the week-long run.

CO-OP Juniors are today celebrating record audiences for their annual Christmas Spectacular.

Performed at Snape Maltings, the show attracted more than 9,000 people during the week-long run.

Co-director Pauline Walker said: “We are delighted with this year's run. The show was well received and we had wonderful audiences.

“We sold over 90per cent of our seats this year and I think that's proof of the popularity of such a large-scale Christmas show, with more than 100 performers and a live orchestra.”

Established as one of the main attractions of the theatre season in Suffolk, the Christmas Spectacular draws visitors from across the region and contains a cast aged from six upwards.

It is a review production containing comedy, dancing and singing.

She added: “It's a brilliant venue and we spent a lot of time making the big hall into a Christmas grotto. I think people now realise that Snape isn't too far away and had a lot to offer visitors.

“People love being able to have a two-course Christmas meal at the concert hall, visit the shops and see a huge show, for less than many professional shows charge just for tickets.”

The Co-op Juniors have already set dates for the 2008 Christmas Spectacular from December 11 to 21.

Co-director Jeannie Ingram said: “With a growing audience for our Christmas show, we're already working on next year's production.

“Coming up with fresh ideas for such a talented young company of performers isn't difficult, but it takes time to put it all together.”

The Co-op Juniors are also performing at the Ipswich Regent in June with a major new musical production, due to be announced shortly.

Mrs Walker added: “It has yet to be confirmed so I cannot say what it is yet. It's an exciting time for the company, with the success of Christmas Spectacular and planning for our show in the summer and next December too.”

Are you a Co-op juniors fan? What did you think of the Christmas Spectacular? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk