It’s July – Summer must start soon, but in any case, there’s plenty of great theatre to look forward to. First, there’s ‘High School Musical Jr’ at The Bay School’s secondary site in Sandown on 4th and 5th July at 18:30. It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and rebels all find their cliques. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, ‘High School Musical Jr.’ is sure to make you ‘Bop to the top’! To secure your tickets, simply complete this form: https://shorturl.at/WDLrs. If you have a child in the school, you will be contacted to pay via the school payment system. If you are member of the public, you will need to pay in cash on the door. If you have any questions, email [email protected] The Island-written youth musical ‘Smile’ played to packed audiences and received fantastic feedback in April. If you missed it then – or would like to see it again – Niton Playbox are bringing it back for just three more performances in July, on 5th (19:30) and 6th (14:30 and 19:30) at Niton Village Hall. I can do no better than to quote April’s review of the show: “This is a fascinating story. A true story, based around the life of the famous entertainer Charlie Chaplin, and a familial connection to the production team. It is this story, with the atmosphere of the streets of Lambeth and the early musical hall era at its heart, that enables a new talented company of young performers to shine.” Read the whole review here: REVIEW: ‘Smile – A Charlie Chaplin Musical’ – The Niton Playbox – IWtheatre – then book your tickets via Paypal at [email protected] The next play to be staged at the Apollo Theatre is ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ from July 12th to 20th (not Sunday or Monday) with curtain up at 19:30. A band of travelling performers embark on their most daring feat yet: to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world. 
Jules Verne’s classic tale is adapted by Laura Eason. Packing in more than 50 unforgettable characters, this imaginative version was written for an ensemble cast of eight but can be performed by a much larger cast. Which will they choose? Find out by booking your seat at WHAT’S ON | Apollo Theatre (apollo-theatre.org.uk) The acclaimed WightStrollers are back, hot on the heels of their latest brilliant pantomime, but this time with the well-known musical ‘Sweet Charity’ which comes to Medina Theatre on July 12th (19:30); 13th (14:30 and 19:30) and 14th (14:30). ‘Sweet Charity’ is a funny, feel-good musical, packed with well-known songs like ‘Big Spender’, ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’ and ‘Rhythm Of Life’. With Sarah Scotcher as Director, Kim Ball as Musical Director, and Cheryl & Izzi Rudd as Choreographers – the team that brought you ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Priscilla: Queen of the Desert’ – plus a live 9-piece band, colourful costumes, a striking set, and an exceptional cast, ‘Sweet Charity’ promises to be uplifting and unforgettable. Tickets – including group deals – are available from www.medinatheatre.co.uk, by phoning 01983 823884, or in person from Medina’s 1Leisure Reception or the Medina Theatre Box Office. 
Finally, following the sold-out success of “Musical Mayhem,” Theatretrain Isle of Wight invites audiences to join them at Shanklin Theatre from July 13th to July 16th for ‘We Will Rock You Young@Part.’ This electrifying production will showcase the immense talent of Theatretrain’s older students, aged 9-18 years, as they take on the iconic music of Queen. Set in a dystopian future where musical instruments and rock music are banned, ‘We Will Rock You’ follows a group of rebels led by Galileo and Scaramouche as they fight to restore freedom and individuality through the power of rock ‘n’ roll. Featuring all the legendary hits that have made Queen a household name, this high-energy show is set to be an absolute showstopper. Visit https://theatretrain.co.uk/rock-out-with-theatretrain-isle-of-wight-we-will-rock-you-hits-shanklin-theatre/ to book your tickets today and embark on a journey through the world of musical theatre and rock ‘n’ roll excitement.
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...
