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...
If you’re lucky you might just be in time to get your hands on a ticket for GASP’s Old Time Music Hall on 4th March – at the time of writing there are a few left but they’re selling fast.
The traditional Music Hall at Bembridge Village Hall will include lots of well-known (and some less known) songs along with other traditional ‘turns’, and medleys of songs such as Burlington Bertie, I Do Like To BE Beside the Seaside and Let’s All Go Down. The Strand which the audience is invited to join in with. Whether you’re familiar with the genre or fancy finding out how our Victorian forefathers were entertained, it’s sure to be a feel good show.
Please come in appropriate dress if you wish, get a drink from the well-stocked bar and be prepared to laugh, sing and generally have a fun evening – just what’s needed at this time of the year. Forget the cold and rain, and bask in the warmth of the music and laughter. Tickets can be purchased from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/gasp/old-time-music-hall/2023-03-04/19:30/t-nojnmpe or call the box office on 07841 950261.
The next show on the stage of the Apollo Theatre is When We Are Married, from 24th March to 1st April.
Gwen Stevens, the show’s director says: “Rehearsals are going well. It is a large cast but all are keen and happy which is a lovely thing to experience as a director.” Come along and see this hilarious classic comedy.
The play centres around three couples who while celebrating their 25th Wedding anniversary find they are not legally married. Now that would be upsetting enough for any married couple, but it happens to be the early 1900’s and they are important people in the town and the chapel. The ensuing commotion and arguing that commences is interrupted by different visitors and goings on, bringing an almost farce-like quality to the production. Tickets are available from www.apollo-theatre.org.uk or call 01983 210010.
On 27th/28th/29th March Shanklin Theatre will be hosting First Act’s latest show, Decades.
Created for the company’s inspirational cast of performers with learning difficulties, the production will take you on a whistle stop journey through the decades.
From Chubby Checker to the Spice Girls, the 1960 moon landing to the Star Wars blockbuster movies, and heaps more, the performers of First Act always provide a feel good show, and this one is sure to be another. With a bonus variety show in Act 2, we guarantee a heart warming evening of pure entertainment. Tickets are available at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/first_act_presents_decades/details.aspx.
Looking ahead to April, Newchurch Drama Group is staging Laugh Out Loud, an evening of 2 one act comedies – get tickets now from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT.
Tickets are also already on sale for the Island Savoyards’ production of The Sound of Music. This is one of the most popular of all musicals, produced in the professional style we have come to expect from the Savoyards, so tickets are likely to sell quickly – buy early to avoid disappointment at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/island_savoyards_present_the_sound_of_music/details.aspx.
