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That's what we were all wondering as we made our way to the world famous Snape Maltings near Aldeburgh for their 'Christmas Spectacular'. Famous musicians of all genres have appeared at this concert theatre so Pauline Walker and Jeannie Ingram, the long time directors of the Juniors, would have had every right to be a bit nervous. They shouldn't have been. The normally dark theatre at this time of the year looked fantastic with twinkling white lights and two lovely Christmas trees. An unusual set put the Orchestra at the back and above the main stage leaving room for some clever scenery changes. From the first 'Candlelight Carol' with the young singers - to the brightly coloured and wonderfully choreographed 'Santa's workshops' with the young dancers - I found the whole show delightful. Exactly the right start to the festive season.
 | | Christmas Spectacular (Mike Kwasniak) |
I have seen several of the Co-op Juniors' shows in the past and have always marvelled at their productions. The choreography is supremely professional. Someone once said 'don't work with children!' but Jeannie and Pauline have certainly found the right formula. The show was an enchanting mixture of old and new, gentle and rousing, moving and robust - and it wasn't just Junior singers. There were the Senior chorus and dancers and - I was really pleased to see - an-all boy singing group. They held the audience spellbound with a powerful rendition of 'Starmaker' the song made famous in Fame. To complement the lively, colourfully choreographed scenes - there were mellow songs with soloists Tim Holder and Julie Lock including the timeless classic 'Chestnuts Roasting', and the Co-ops own answer to Kylie - Laura Lucock - sang 'Santa Baby'. Well done Nigel Varley - Musical Director. Congratulations must also go to the wardrobe mistress, Pat Hoggarth, and all the mums and dads, aunts and uncles etc, who created some fantastic costumes. I cannot imagine what it was like behind the scenes at Snape... I lost count of the numbers of costume changes for all the 50 or so cast - from the youngest fairy to the oldest - was that Santa?! From Victorian outfits to swingtime dancers - amazing. I've been to see several of the other Christmas shows on at our Suffolk theatres - and I found this as enjoyable as them all - and dare I say it, better than some. If you missed it this year bad luck - hopefully I'll see you next year - at Snape again?! | 
