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...
Happy Easter, one and all! And if you’re looking for something to do over the Easter weekend, you could do no better than come along to Shanklin Theatre to see one of the best-known and most loved stage musicals: The Sound of Music.
As with all Island Savoyards shows, The Sound of Music features incredibly talented performers, grand sets and costumes and a full live orchestra. Directed by the experience of Andrew Wilson-Jenner alongside Steve Burton as Musical Director and Joanna Adams as choreographer, the show also introduces us to some very engaging and gifted young actors playing the Von Trapp children. You will laugh, cry and sing along to some of the best known stage musical songs – Climb Every Mountain, Raindrops on Roses, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? – and of course, The Sound of Music. Last we heard, the show was heading for a sell-out, so if you can get your hands on one of the few remaining tickets – what an Easter treat!! Go to https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/island_savoyards_present_the_sound_of_music/details.aspx
Newchurch Drama Group is staging Laugh Out Loud, an evening of two one act comedies, on 14th and 15th April at Newchurch School. ‘Old Folk’, by Archie Wilson, is set in a retirement home, which may not sound like a laugh a minute – but when a male resident joins the very female environment, it sets the scene for lots of hilarious competition among the ladies to capture his attention…and maybe more! The play zings with humour and there is a twist to the ending…..
‘Murder in Little Grimley’ is the sixth in the series of ‘Little Grimley’ plays by David Tristram, and it follows the antics of the hapless and -er – not very talented amateur theatre group, desperate for an audience. Anxious to cash in on the current appetite for detective dramas, their chairman has written a whodunnit. But in a bizarre twist of fate he finds himself embroiled in a real life murder mystery…. I have seen a few ‘Grimley’ comedies and this one promises to be just as hilarious as the rest, so Do yourself a favour and get your tickets now from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT
Not strictly theatre but worth a mention for its community spirit is Alice in Easterland, an event hosted by MAD-Aid with proceeds going to a charity to support refugees from the Ukraine. On 16th April, Barton Manor will be full of music, games, crafts and an Easter trail. Starting at 14:00, tickets include a welcome drink, and there will be the chance to sample food from Ukraine, Moldova, Romania – and the UK! If you’re still hungry after that, there is a chocolate raffle. Enjoy music from local band Elsinore, take your children to enjoy the surprises and entertainment at the Children’s Area, and surround yourself with all things Easter. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/alice-in-easterland-tickets-596013481367
Coming up in May are more treats: Bembridge Little Theatre Club are having great fun rehearsing The Actress which will be staged from 11th – 14th May: tickets are already on sale at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/Bembridge-Little-Theatre-Club And Labour of Love is the next play to be staged at the Apollo Theatre – get your tickets at https://www.apollo-theatre.org.uk/labour-of-love
See you next month for more wonderful Island entertainment.
