September has arrived and with it comes another packed month of theatre on the Isle of Wight, with an Island premiere under the stars, a poignant story of lifelong love and a Gilbert and Sullivan favourite all taking to the stage.
From the woodland surroundings of Robin Hill to the Apollo Theatre and Bembridge Village Hall, there is plenty for theatre fans to get their teeth into this month.
Shoreline Productions are bringing the Isle of Wight premiere of the acclaimed musical Come From Away to Robin Hill’s amphitheatre from 3rd September until 6th September.
Based on the remarkable true story that unfolded in the aftermath of 11th September 2001, Come From Away tells the story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers and the small Newfoundland town of Gander that welcomed them.
As cultures clash, barriers break down, and friendships are formed, the musical celebrates kindness, compassion and the power of community in the face of adversity.
Featuring a live orchestra, the production will be one of the first-ever musicals staged in Robin Hill’s outdoor amphitheatre, set amongst the attraction’s woodland surroundings.
The recommended age is 10 and over, while audiences should be aware that the production may contain loud sound effects, flashing lights, haze and other theatrical special effects.
Tickets can be booked at www.shorelineproductions.co.uk.
Next up at the Apollo Theatre on 4th September-12th September is a story exploring a love that endures through time and parting, Lovesong.
Written by Abi Morgan and first performed in 2011, Lovesong follows the lives of William and Margaret, a young couple settling into life in America after emigrating from this country around 1973.
The audience also meets the same couple 50 years later, now known as Billy and Maggie, as they move towards the end of their life together.
Past and present collide throughout the production, with the older couple’s memories interacting with their younger selves.
Director Hilary Foister has said:
“It’s not every day that audiences get an opportunity to see a play quite like this.”
Lovesong runs for a week, performances beginning at 19:30.
More information is available at www.apollo-theatre.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01983 210010.
At Bembridge Village Hall is the Gilbert and Sullivan favourite, HMS Pinafore. As this year’s GASP production, actors will take to the stage at Bembridge Village Hall from 24th September until 27th September.
Following the popularity of its Sunday matinees, GASP is adding a Saturday matinee this year alongside an evening performance.
The show follows Sir Joseph Porter, who is betrothed to Josephine, the daughter of Pinafore’s Captain Corcoran.
There is, however, one rather significant problem – Josephine and humble sailor Ralph Rackstraw are in love.
With plenty of twists and turns promised along the way, audiences will discover Little Buttercup’s guilty secret, whether Ralph really will die for his love of Josephine and why Sir Joseph’s ‘sisters and his cousins and his aunts’ are all aboard the ship.
The production follows previous GASP shows including the award-winning The Mikado and The Sorcerer.
Tickets can be booked at www.ticketsource.co.uk/gasp or by calling 07761 460925.
