Wishing you all a very happy new year – after perusing the upcoming shows, I think 2023 will be a fantastic year for Island theatre! January is traditionally a quieter month on the amateur theatre scene, but several groups are already casting and preparing for spring shows which we can look forward to.
Wight Island Players present Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at Bembridge Village Hall on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st with a matinee on Sunday 22nd January, so why not extend the pantomime season and come along? Tickets can be ordered by email from [email protected]
TheatreTrain are enrolling now for 2023 – they offer professional theatre training for 3-18 years olds in a way that is both fun and effective. More than a drama club, a dance school or a singing group, their performing arts classes give children and young people a place to explore the world and create performances.
This process gives them life skills that will help them whether they want a career in the performing arts or the confidence to thrive in the real world. All the world’s a stage after all!
If you have seen any of their productions – the latest being World of Colour last month – you will know the company not only caters for and encourages every single student whatever their age, but that the talent they develop on stage is phenomenal.
TheatreTrain’s first session is on Saturday 7th January and you can book a taster session for your young aspiring thespian via their website at https://theatretrain.co.uk/isle-of-wight/
Also open for a new season is First Act, and having seen their amazing shows at Shanklin Theatre, I can personally vouch for the dedication of the tutors and their ability to enable each member of the cast to shine on stage. First Act runs theatrical workshops at Sandown Rugby Club for adults with additional needs, and produce regular shows. Their first session of 2023 will be on 23rd January, so if you are interested in getting involved or would like more information please contact Lottie on 0781 4683502 or email [email protected]
The Apollo Players are well into rehearsals for their next show of their 50th season, Private Peaceful. Based on the book by Michael Morpurgo, the play tells us of the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line.
Private Peaceful runs from Friday, February 3rd to Saturday, February 11th (not Sunday or Monday). Tickets can be obtained from the Apollo Theatre online at https://www.apollo-theatre.org.uk/private-peaceful/ or by calling 01983 210010.
Meanwhile, look out for great shows in the next few months: the WightStrollers will be bringing us their latest panto, Aladdin, in February – oh yes they will! – and tickets can be booked at http://www.medinatheatre.co.uk Curtain Call Creative are staging 9-5 The Musical – book here: https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/curtain_call_creative_present_9__5/details.aspx
And after the success of Carols and Mince Pies, GASP are already preparing for an Old Time Music Hall – tickets at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/gasp/old-time-music-hall/2023-03-04/19:30/t-nojnmpe More details on all these shows and more in next month’s column.
So whatever your theatrical tastes, there should be something for you to enjoy over the coming months – and you will be able to keep up to date about what’s coming up right here – I look forward to sharing the dramatic joys of 2022 with you.
Maureen Sullivan is a regular contributor to Island Echo’s coverage of the Arts on the Isle of Wight. Maureen has been actively involved in the Island’s amateur dramatics scene for several years, appearing in many different roles and guises with several theatre companies. In her free time, Maureen also writes and reviews at iwtheatre.org.
Catch Maureen’s column each month for the latest theatre and art happenings...
