As the build up to Christmas continues we look back to when the Co-op Juniors were preparing and doing dress rehearsals for their production of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in 1993.

Ipswich Star: Colour and glitter ready to illuminate the stageColour and glitter ready to illuminate the stage

Pantomime is a tradition that says Christmas like nothing else, and every year the Co-op Juniors hold a fantastically festive affair, showing off bright and sparkling costumes on the big stage.

Ipswich Star: Colour and glitter ready to illuminate the stageColour and glitter ready to illuminate the stage

The group started out in Ipswich during the Second World War, performing at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe until around 1977, when they moved on to perform at the Ipswich Regent, which was named the Gaumont at the time.

Ipswich Star: Colour and glitter ready to illuminate the stageColour and glitter ready to illuminate the stage

The Co-op Juniors would go on to perform at the Regent for 25 years, where the theatre company performed The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in December 1993.

Ipswich Star: Colour and glitter ready to illuminate the stageColour and glitter ready to illuminate the stage

They now hold their pantomime at Snape Maltings, this year performing A Christmas Spectacular in the Land of Oz.

Ipswich Star: Colour and glitter ready to illuminate the stageColour and glitter ready to illuminate the stage

Ipswich Star: Colour and glitter ready to illuminate the stageColour and glitter ready to illuminate the stage