It’s the summer holidays – and time for some August theatre treats!
Summer holiday theatre workshops are a great way for youngsters to get busy, happy, and develop lifelong skills and a hobby: Get On Stage’s Summer School production this year is the iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: sessions start on Monday 3rd August at Newport Primary School, with a production on the 8th August at 3pm: for more information and to sign up go to Get On Stage
Curtain Call Creative’s 2026 Summer school kicks off on 10th August and the group will be performing the amazing Footloose at Shanklin Theatre on 17th August. More information and sign up details are at Curtain Call Creative
Light UP IOW are also welcoming young people to their Summer School from 17th August at Department leading to a performance of The Wind in the Willows at 2.30pm on Wednesday 19th August. Contact [email protected] for more details.
Curtain Call Creative’s summer production this year is Sister Act, which comes to Shanklin Theatre on 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th August. Following the outstanding success of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and We Will Rock You, the smash hit, Sister Act brings the story of the much-loved 1992 film to life on stage. Be prepared to clap along as disco diva Deloris Van Cartier takes refuge in a convent and unexpectedly transforms a struggling choir into a singing sensation! Packed with laughter, friendship, and dazzling musical numbers, Sister Act is a joyous celebration of finding your voice and sharing it with the world.
Featuring an infectious score by Alan Menken (composer of Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Newsies and more), this heavenly musical includes show-stopping songs such as “Take Me to Heaven”, “Fabulous, Baby!” and “Spread the Love Around” -all guaranteed to have you smiling from start to finish. With a vibrant professional set, spectacular costumes, a live band, and the high production values Curtain Call Creative audiences have come to expect, Sister Act promises to be the must-see theatrical event of the summer.
So get ready to raise your voice – this is one heavenly night at Shanklin Theatre you won’t want to miss. Book your tickets now from Sister Act – Shanklin Theatre or call the box office on 01983 868000.
Wyrd Sisters is the latest open air production from Ad Lib Theatre Company: it will be staged on 14th, 15th and 16th August in the grounds of The Priory School of Our lady of Walsingham.
Meanwhile, the amazing cast of Curtain Call Creative’s 2025 production of Grease will be reprising the show, this time in the open air at Robin Hill’s amphitheatre on 22nd and 23rd August: the Sunday performance will be a singalong version, so bring your vocal chords!!
For the very first time, this iconic musical will be performed beneath the trees in a stunning open-air setting, creating an unforgettable theatre experience. Featuring an amazing cast, a full live orchestra, and all the high-energy, feel-good moments you know and love, this is Grease bigger and better than ever before.
Join the cast on Sunday for a fabulous singalong evening – perfect for families and Grease fans of all ages. It’s your chance to belt out your favourite hits, from Summer Nights to You’re the One That I Want. With food and drink available throughout the event, you can sit back, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a magical summer evening filled with music, laughter and nostalgia.
Grease is the word …. and this summer, it’s taking over the great outdoors. Book now at Grease The Musical
And finally for this month, another chance to see Ken Ludwig’s hilarious version of the Sherlock Holmes mystery, Baskerville, as the Pepperpots bring the show they performed at Niton Village Hall earlier in the year to the stage of Shanklin Theatre on 31st August and 1st and 2nd September. The game’s afoot!
Be prepared for a fast-moving feast of entertainment that retains the essence of one of the most famous Sherlock stories of all time but delivers something extra (laughter!).The scene changes are as quick as the character switches, but don’t worry, Holmes and Watson are on the case. So book now at Ken Ludwig’s BASKERVILLE – Shanklin Theatre or call the box office on 01983 868000.
See you in September!
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...
