And just like that, we’re into Fabulous February – with some fabulous shows to look forward to!
The Apollo Theatre Players’ first production for 2026 is Immaculate from 6th -14th February (not Sunday or Monday) at the Apollo Theatre. If you don’t know the play, please note it’s likely to offend some people. It’s very ‘sweary’ and makes derogatory references to Christianity. You may find it offensive (though we hope you won’t). You may find it hilarious (as the company do). But they very much hope you will find it interesting and challenging and a worthy addition to their repertoire.
You’re young, free and single and haven’t had sex for the last eleven and a half months, then one morning you wake up pregnant, with the Angel Gabriel on your doorstep claiming parentage. The situation quickly spirals into farcical confusion with no fewer than three more potential fathers claiming parentage: one of them an ex-boyfriend, one of them a nerdish contemporary from school that you wouldn’t want to be seen dead with, and the third – Satan himself. Book online at www.apollo-theatre.org.uk or ring the box office on (01983) 210010.
Robin Hood, WightStrollers 14th, 15th, 21st Feb 14:30 and 19:30 at Medina Theatre
The Wight Strollers are back with their annual pantomime in aid of Island charities and good causes, and this year they’ll be whisking audiences to Sherwood Forest for the tale of ‘Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood’. Following the success of recent productions, Snow White, Sweet Charity and Alice in Wonderland, the Strollers are delighted to be bringing another high-energy, excellent-quality production to Medina Theatre, on 14th, 15th and 21st February.
Packed with laughs for all the family, a top local cast, fabulous costumes, colourful set, toe-tapping song and dance numbers, and with ticket prices frozen to ensure everyone can afford a dose of panto magic, this is a pantomime not to be missed. With an original script by Sarah and Emily Scotcher; comedienne Sarah Scotcher in the director’s seat; Kim Ball as Musical Director, and Choreographers Cheryl and Izzi Rudd, the story follows the heroic Robin Hood and his friends as they try to thwart the evil Sheriff of Nottingham’s plot to get Prince John onto the throne of England. Will Robin save the day? You’ll have to book tickets to find out!
So gather your friends and family and enjoy an unmissable Half Term treat with The Wight Strollers: raising as much money for Island charities as possible, whilst having as much fun as possible, and spreading as much joy as possible! Book your tickets at Robin Hood
Wondering what to do with your little ones this half term? Fill them with wonder. Give them the gift of theatre, with shout out moments, puppets, songs and a Big Bad Wolf. 50 minutes of fun that you’ll all enjoy. Designed especially for younger audiences, Raw Theatre Arts bring this delightfully entertaining show to the Apollo Theatre on 18th and 20th February with a special performance at Quay Arts on 19th February as part of the IW Story Festival..
Failing to heed the warning of the older goats, the greener, juicier grass on the edge of the forest calls to Billy. Slipping away and enjoying the fresh clover all on his own, he fails to notice when the goat herder takes the goats back to the farm at the end of the day. As the stars come out, Billy gets scared, and his bleating alerts the hungry wolf. Billy has to think fast about how he will get out of this and how he can bravely get help to be rescued. There will be a mixture of live acting, puppetry, rhyme, music with live musicians, and dancing as we tell our funny story, interspersed with interaction from our young audience, who can sit on the floor in front of us, ready to get up and take part.
Join the young performers of Raw Theatre Arts on Magnolia Farm: book the Apollo Theatre
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/…/billy-the-brave/e-grqple or Quay Arts as part of the IW Story Festival.
https://www.iwstoryfestival.com/billy-the-brave
And of course there will be lots more theatre and fun provided from 19th – 21st February by the IW Story Festival supporting the National Year of Reading – find out more here: IW Story Festival | family things half term | Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
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...
