Yes, it’s November, and Ad Lib Theatre is asking us to Remember, Remember…the return of Hamlet on the 5th. There are bound to be fireworks at the court of Elsinore, where we are celebrating the marriage of the recently widowed Queen Gertrude to her late husband’s brother Claudius.
What does her son Hamlet think of their “o’erhasty marriage” and his uncle taking the throne? What exactly does the ghost of his father tell him to ‘Remember’? Have Rosencrantz and Guildenstern really just come to visit Hamlet – or did the King and Queen send for them? And what will Hamlet do about it – if anything?
If you are a bonfire and fireworks fan, come to the afternoon performance of Hamlet at 14:30; if you want to avoid the bangs and crashes for the evening, come and see the 19:30 – but we can’t promise there won’t be a few bangs and crashes there too. There certainly will be plenty of drama and quite a few laugh-out-loud moments too! Think you know Hamlet? You’re in for a few surprises. New to Shakespeare? This would be a great introduction. Tickets are selling fast – get yours at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ad-lib-theatre
Then from 11th – 12th, Curtain Call Creative present Bugsy Malone at Medina Theatre, so don’t miss this fabulous rendition of Alan Parker’s worlworld-famousical, based on his hit movie! Packed with instantly recognisable songs,, Bugsy Malone is a masterclass of musical comedy with one of the most joyously uplifting finales in musical theatre, and featuring the very best of young island talent with a full live band, framed with a beautiful professional set and stunning costumes.
Prohibition era, New York. A city full of mobsters, showgirl and dreamers. Rival gangster bosses Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads. The custard pies are flying and Dandy Dan’s gang has gotten the upper hand since obtaining the new-fangled “splurge” gun. Enter Bugsy Malone, thrust not-so-willingly into the gangster limelight when he becomes the last resort for Fat Sam’s hapless hoodlums. All Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with his new love, Blousey. Will Bugsy be able to resist songstress Tallulah and stay out of trouble long enough to help Fat Sam to defend his business? Get your tickets at http://www.medinatheatre.co.uk/article/bugsy-malone
The wonderful First Act will be bringing to Shanklin Theatre their version of the famous story of Beauty and the Beast. Staged on 28th, 29th and 30th November at 18:30, it promises to be another theatrical triumph for the group, following the success of The Little Mermaid earlier in the year.
Over in Bembridge, the indomitable, flamboyant Lettice Douffet is rebelling against being a tour guide in possibly the most boring historical property in England…by hilariously ‘improving’ on history. All is going well until Lotte Schoen, the severe and upright Preservation Trust official, turns up to evaluate her performance. Lettice finds herself at odds with the redoubtable Miss Schoen – and out of a job. But that’s just the beginning….as an unlikely friendship develops, the ladies find out they have more in common than they realise.
How does Lettice end up facing a charge of attempted murder? What part do Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, the Shell Building and Lettice’s cat all play in the madness and mayhem? Come along and find out – as well as providing lots of laughter the play asks us to reflect on the architecture of the past and present, and we’re sure Charles III would approve of the play as much as his historical namesake! We can’t promise the King will be in the audience, but he is very welcome, as are you – tickets are available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/Bembridge-Little-Theatre-Club/lettice-and-lovage/e-yvexmj
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...
I’ll be in London at the Million Mask march this 5th of December, You should join too. The revolution starts here.
Time to fight the World Economic Forum (WEF) and their goal to remove all ownership, they call it the great reset. Don’t believe me, google them. As with all good Bond baddies, they tell you their plan before taking all you have. Also, you should know, our new PM, he’s a member of the WEF.