Well, it’s definitely autumn, and Halloween is just around the corner, so what theatrical treats are in store for this month?
As previously reported by Island Echo, Trinity Theatre in Cowes are staging Henrik Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’ from 12th – 15th October.
A 19th century classic that remains just as relevant today, it 1st premiered in Copenhagen in 1879 and is set in Norway.
The play concerns Nora, a married woman living in a society which denied her any opportunity for self-fulfilment in a male-dominated world; a subject which caused ‘a storm of outraged controversy’ at the time.
The theatre has pulled out all the stops to create a unique and imaginative setting devised by director Amanda Robertson, who says:
“I studied ‘A Doll’s House’ years ago and have always wanted to stage it. It’s gripping and very atmospheric, and although the story seems simple enough, you soon realise there is much more going on.”
Tickets are £9 and you can book online at ticketsource.co.uk/trinitytheatre
Next up from The Apollo Players is ‘Apologia’, written by Alexi Kaye Campbell. An eminent art historian and political activist celebrates her birthday. Her sons force her to confront the cost of her commitment to her passions. The play runs from 20th – 28th October (not Sunday or Monday).
As a young mother Kristen followed her politics and vocation, storming Parisian barricades and moving to Florence. Her birthday should be a time for celebration but when her two sons deliver their versions of the past everyone must confront the cost of Kristen‘s commitment to her passions.
This is a modern play that contains adult language and sexual references.
For tickets go to: http://www.apollo-theatre.org.uk or call 01983 210010.
Finally, it’s ‘Shrek’! Yes, the famous green ogre will be visiting Shanklin Theatre from 25th – 29th October courtesy of The Island Savoyards. With all the wonderful and hilarious characters you will remember from the ‘Shrek’ films brought to life as a stage musical, this is the ideal half-term family treat.
Beautiful Princess Fiona; the hilariously well-meaning and kind-hearted Donkey; Lord Farquaad, ruler of Duroc, whose ego is several times bigger than he is and, of course, the smelly swamp-dwelling Shrek himself are joined by a plethora of fairy-tale characters supported, in true Savoyard fashion, by a large ensemble cast, professional live orchestra and professionally designed set.
Tickets are selling quickly, so snap yours up now at Shanklin Theatre box office on 01983 869000 or at www.shanklintheatre.com
Thank you to the theatre folk who have given me information on their shows – if you know of an amateur theatre show coming up on the Island and would like it featured in this column, please email [email protected]
And coming up next month, we have Bembridge Little Theatre’s ‘The Ghost Train’ and Ad Lib’s ‘Macbeth’ – watch this space….
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...
