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...
Welcome to the July theatre line up!
In summer it’s good to get outside, so bring a picnic and come along to Appley Tower in Ryde on Saturday 2nd July to be entertained by the promenading production ‘Where There’s a Will’.
At 12 o’clock, Sir William Hutt will be taking a stroll along Appley Beach with his friend Miss Brigstocke. Both real life Victorian prominent Ryde residents, they will appear courtesy of the Appley Tower Players, and along with you, their audience, will enjoy a variety of Shakespearean-themed entertainments near and at the Tower itself. You will also be treated to a guided tour of the Tower, and best of all – it’s free!
Director Rebecca Tremain tells us:
“Appley Tower has a magical quality which plays on the imagination just as Shakespeare’s words play on our emotions. Working with Ryde and Island-wide actors and volunteers is such a joy. I hope this becomes an annual event to celebrate the history and heritage of the Tower and Ryde.”
So do I – and you can be there for the inaugural event: just be at Appley Beach for 12 noon on Saturday (2nd July).
TheatreTrain are back, this time with a musical version of the well-known story of ‘The Little Mermaid’.
Based on the Hans Andersen fairy tale, we meet the beautiful mermaid Ariel who falls in love with the human Prince Eric. To be with him she needs to swap her fishtail for legs, but when the evil sea-witch Ursula gets involved, poor Ariel finds the bargain is not what it seemed. She needs the help of her friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. This show will be a wonderful experience for all ages, with the many toe tapping popular tunes.
I was lucky enough to have a peek at a rehearsal this week and the colourful costumes and amazing set is more than matched by the enthusiasm and talent of the large cast of TheatreTrain students, some of them only 6-years-old. TheatreTrain productions are always worth watching, so grab yourself a ticket now.
‘The Little Mermaid’ will be staged at Shanklin Theatre on 9th and 10th July at 14:00 and 17:30 – tickets available from https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/theatretrain_presents_the_little_mermaid/details.aspx.
Apollo Theatre’s next production is ‘Memory of Water’, in which 3 sisters come together before their mother’s funeral, each haunted by their own demons.
The play focuses on how each sister deals with the death and how it directly affects them. The three each have different memories of the same events, causing constant bickering about whose memories are true. As the three women get together after years of separation, all their hidden lies and self-betrayals are about to reach the surface.
This is a warm and observant drama that suggests life is a permanent mix of comedy and tragedy. ‘Memory of Water’ will be staged from 15th – 23rd July (not Sunday or Monday) at 19:30 and tickets are available from https://www.apollo-theatre.org.uk/the-memory-of-water or on 01983 210010.
Last, but definitely not least is CurtainCall Creative’s latest show, the musical ‘Into the Woods’, which takes everyone’s favourite storybook characters and brings them together for a timeless yet relevant piece and rare modern classic.
The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. When a baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the 2 set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them
Presented with a live orchestra, professional costumes and a brand new set design the production will showcase some of the very best Island talent, so don’t miss out! ‘Into the Woods’ will be at Shanklin Theatre on 26th and 27th July at 19:00 and tickets are available at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/curtain_call_creative_present_into_the_woods__the_musical/details.aspx.
And that’s it for this month! See you in August for more theatrical delights…
