GLITTERING costumes are bringing a prolonged finale to Jubilee celebrations, as the Co-op Juniors dance, sing and act to a packed Regent theatre.The Jubilee Showtime extravaganza sees the young stars celebrating not only the Queen's 50 years on the throne, but the group's 60 years on the stage.

GLITTERING costumes are bringing a prolonged finale to Jubilee celebrations, as the Co-op Juniors dance, sing and act to a packed Regent theatre.

The Jubilee Showtime extravaganza sees the young stars celebrating not only the Queen's 50 years on the throne, but the group's 60 years on the stage.

The diamond anniversary show, in association with the Evening Star and Ipswich Borough Council, drew huge crowds as it opened last night, including hundreds of senior citizens whose tickets cost the price of a child's for the occasion.

Row upon row of families watched, as curtains bearing the Queen's coat of arms drew back to reveal the youngest performers dressed as cakes, and champagne bottles.

Scenes included a Women's Institute gang taking part in a Popstar-style audition, and ballet accompaniment to a ballad by singer Laura Lucock.

Later came Beefeaters as you've never seen them at the palace – dancing in fishnet tights!

The show looked back at six decades of the Juniors, with old and new numbers, some modern songs from the 1960s to the 1990s, monologues, a kung-fu 1970s routine, and line dancing.

It runs until Saturday , at 7.15pm every night, with an extra 2.30pm performance on the last day.

An exhibition charting the Co-op Juniors' 60-years of shows and talents, is on display in the Circle Bar at the theatre.

The Evening Star has also produced a special commemorative edition, full of pictures from the Juniors over the past 60 years. The limited edition keepsake was waiting for audience members as they took their seat on the big opening night.

For tickets, call the box office on 01473 433100.

Weblink: www.co-opjuniors.co.uk