Welcome to the first in a regular series of columns from Maureen Sullivan, who will be providing us with the latest news and information from the thriving Island theatre scene.
After the last 15 months of theatres across the country going ‘dark’, we’re so happy to see them starting to spring back into life, and judging by the audiences flocking to shows already open for booking, it’s clear Islanders feel the same.
Editor’s note: Due to the recent news that the easing of restrictions has been delayed by 4 weeks, some performance dates may be liable to change. Please contact the theatre directly for the most up-to-date show and performance information.
Bembridge Little Theatre Company
Trinity Theatre was one of the first off the starting blocks, presenting their well-received Recipe for Murder over the first weekend of June, and Bembridge Little Theatre Company are following close behind, staging Full Circle on June 25th, 26th and 27th.
The play was originally set to open in March 2020 and the intrepid and determined cast are looking forward to finally bringing it to the stage after 3 postponements!
Unfortunately for anyone without a ticket, all performances are now sold out, but if you’d like to put your name down for a possible cancellation please call their ticket line on 07841 950261. Tickets will soon be on sale for their next show – An August Pantomime!
Apollo Theatre – Newport
The Apollo Theatre is also up and running, with A London Affair – 3 separate one-act plays by John Mortimer (of Rumpole of the Bailey fame).
Marble Arch, Lunch Hour, and Knightsbridge are very different plays, each rehearsed separately with its own director, but the set designers have cleverly managed to put together an adaptable backdrop for them all.
A London Affair is on stage from Friday 2nd – Saturday 10th July (no performances on Sunday or Monday).
Tickets will be on sale from 15th June, available to book online via the Apollo website at https://www.apollo-theatre.org.uk or by phone on 01983 210010.
The Apollo is also hosting After All These Years, a play featuring well-known Island actor Graham Pountney, on 16th/17th July: tickets will be available soon.
Youth Theatre
Young Islanders have also been hard at work: the performing arts school, TheatreTrain, is currently preparing to stage Summertime Special at Shanklin Theatre on 4th July.
Meanwhile, Curtain Call Creative is bringing us Fame, the Musical on 11th July, also at Shanklin Theatre.
Tickets for these shows can be booked on the theatre’s website at https://www.shanklintheatre.com or by visiting or phoning the box office – 01983 868000.
Independent Productions
If you fancy joining them ‘on the campaign for an Independent Isle of Wight’, Horsebox Theatre Company is in rehearsal too, for The People’s Republic of the Isle of Wight.
The company is staging performances in various venues across the Island: BAR 74 in Ryde on 16th July, Northwood Village Hall on 17th July, and at Ventnor Fringe Festival on 30th & 31st July! Book online at www.horseboxtheatre.com.
Talking of Ventnor Fringe, it is so good to see its return this year: the Festival will run from 23rd July – 1st August and booking for most shows is already open, so don’t miss out.
You can find out what’s on offer and ensure you have your tickets by visiting https://vfringe.co.uk. There’s so much going on – and new shows continue to be added – that it needs its own article, which we will be bringing you very shortly.
Look out for that, and for a regular monthly update on what’s on and what’s coming up in the Island theatres, along with reviews and extra updates as local theatre groups get back to what they do best – entertaining you!
If you are involved with a local theatre group or upcoming show, please do let us know about it so that we can feature it on this page. Email [email protected].
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.
