Welcome to the July Theatre Column, with plenty more thespian treats in store for you, and this month it’s all about the youngsters!
The Bay CE School present 1 of my favourite stage musicals – Matilda. If you’ve been lucky enough to see the West End show with its wonderful talented young cast belting out numbers such as ‘Revolting Children’ and ‘Naughty’ you’ll know what a brilliant show it is, and if you haven’t, just the titles of those songs will give you an idea! And the talented Bay students capture the fun, humour and energy of the show.
You may know the story from the Ronald Dahl book or the film starring Mara Wilson: the tale of the book-loving magical Matilda is brought to life perfectly in the musical, of which this is the Junior version. So come along and meet Matilda, her classmates, her horrific family, the kind Miss Honey and the grotesque Miss Trunchbull at The Bay CE School in Sandown on 6th and 7th July. Tickets are available from https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsHVwzQ45G7rW8jv4vxCDwDF4dw7z413SY-kecJJL-_26SdA/viewform
Come along to Shanklin Theatre on 8th or 9th July and relive the sheer fun and delight that is Grease! Whether, like me, you’re old enough to remember the thrill of the original release of the iconic film, or you’ve caught up with the antics of Sandy and Danny more recently, you will know that Grease abounds with catchy songs, rhythms, dancing and sheer energy, all of which the young cast of TheatreTrain have captured in their School Edition of the hit show.
With songs like ‘Greased Lightning’, ‘Summer Nights’ and ‘You’re the One That I Want’, Grease evokes the spirit of summer, school breaking up for the holidays, and youthful enjoyment of life – all perfectly timed for a July performance. They even have the Grease car from Strictly Come Dancing!! So get your tickets now from https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/theatretrain_present_grease/details.aspx
There will also be so much to see at the Ventnor Fringe Festival this month too – it runs from 21st to 30th July and there is plenty of information on their website.
Finally, on 27th – 29th July the wonderful Curtain Call Creative will be staging Les Miserables, School Edition at Medina Theatre. Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Presented in spectacular fashion featuring a unique professional set design, costumes and a live orchestra this will be something you remember for a long time.
In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways.
Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter. Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. Get your tickets at http://www.medinatheatre.co.uk/article/les-miserables-schools-edition.
That’s it for this month – but look out for more theatrical fun in August!
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...
