RUPERT the bear, La Traviata, Jimmy Carr and Lorna Luft - these are just a few of the acts and shows announced today in the Ipswich's Regent's spring programme.

RUPERT the bear, La Traviata, Jimmy Carr and Lorna Luft - these are just a few of the acts and shows announced today in the Ipswich's Regent's spring programme.

A variety of performances including comedy, ballet, opera, family shows and tribute acts have been booked by Regent bosses from February to June next year - and still more are expected to be confirmed by promoters.

Theatre manager Hazel Clover said: “What we have announced today is very much a work in progress. “The programme is by no means complete and a number of rock and pop acts are under negotiation.”

With the spring programme set to be launched by singer Alison Moyet on February 2, acts due to perform at the venue include the Russian State Ballet with productions of Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet and Sleeping Beauty, Abba tribute act Voulez-Vous, comedy duo French and Saunders, singers Lorna Luft and Natasha Bedingfield, and comedians Jimmy Carr, Pam Ann and rock legend Jethro Tull. Also announced are one night shows such as Half Way To Paradise, Oh What A Night, Solid Silver 60s Show and Buena Vista Social Club.

Miss Clover added: “Our opera and ballets are very lavish productions and next spring we are delighted to be welcoming the English National Ballet for the first time with their production of Angelina's Star Performance.

“French and Saunders have recently announced a second night and are expected to sell out. Lorna Luft, the daughter of Judy Garland, will be performing a selection of her mother's songs and for the children and families we have Rainbow Live and Rupert.

“As ever we have endeavoured to provide a wide variety of shows for our customers.”

What do you think of the spring programme? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail t eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk