From a gripping tale of ambition and sacrifice to a colourful celebration of musical favourites, Newport’s Apollo Theatre has a varied programme lined up for November.
Audiences can look forward to 2 very different theatrical experiences, with a National Theatre Live screening of Golden Boy on Thursday 5th November followed by the return of the popular Musical Magic production on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November.
The entertainment begins with Golden Boy, Clifford Odets’ acclaimed American classic, filmed live at London’s Almeida Theatre and brought to Isle of Wight audiences as part of the National Theatre Live programme.
Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, the production follows Joe Bonaparte, a gifted young violinist whose promising musical career is thrown into doubt when the prospect of fame and fortune draws him into the brutal world of professional boxing.
Faced with a choice between his passion for music and the opportunity for financial success, Joe must confront what he is willing to sacrifice and the person he risks becoming.
Accompanied by a live string quartet, the powerful drama explores ambition, identity and the price of success.
While Thursday’s screening explores the darker side of ambition, the Apollo will take on a very different atmosphere the following evening as a company of 20 talented performers returns to the stage with Musical Magic: Stage and Screen.
Following an enthusiastic response to their 2025 performances, the team is back with a new production celebrating some of the most memorable songs from stage and screen.
The show promises a mixture of nostalgic favourites and modern classics, with musical numbers from Grease, Chicago, The Greatest Showman, The Lion King, 42nd Street and The Sound of Music, among others.
Far from being a traditional concert, each number will be fully staged and costumed, combining singing, dancing and dialogue with an explosion of colour.
And, following requests from last year’s audiences, the production will feature a couple of singalong numbers, giving theatre-goers the chance to join in with some much-loved songs.
With its combination of music, laughter, emotion and variety, the show aims to offer something for audiences of all ages.
Musical Magic: Stage and Screen will be performed on Friday 6th November at 19:30, with a matinee performance at 14:30 and an evening performance at 19:30 on Saturday 7th November.
Together, the 2 productions offer theatre lovers the chance to experience everything from thought-provoking drama to lively musical entertainment over 3 consecutive days.
Tickets and further information are available from the Apollo Theatre website at www.apollo-theatre.org.uk.
