Red Funnel is trialling later Red Jet sailings on selected dates, giving Islanders more time to enjoy theatre trips to Southampton.
The Theatre Lates programme has been developed following feedback from customers and the Solent Transport Users Group (STUG), who highlighted the difficulties faced by Islanders trying to catch the last Red Jet home after evening performances.
While existing services allow customers to travel to the mainland for shows, return connections can limit the time available after performances, particularly for those relying on public transport.
In response, Red Funnel has adjusted its timetable on selected dates to give theatregoers more time to enjoy their evening.
On the designated dates, the Red Jet service that would normally leave Southampton at 22:30 will instead depart at 23:00. The return sailing from East Cowes will also be pushed back from 23:05 to 23:35.
The initial Theatre Lates programme covers performances at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre and includes:
- 19th September – The Car Man by Matthew Bourne
- 17th October – Moulin Rouge! The Musical
- 21st November – Operation Mincemeat
- 19th December – Robin Hood starring Ashley Banjo and Diversity
- 23rd January – Blood Brothers
- 20th February – Mrs Doubtfire
- 20th March – The Full Monty
If the trial proves successful, Red Funnel hopes to add further dates for productions including Cats, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Back to the Future The Musical.
Neil Chapman, Red Funnel’s Operations Director, said:
“We’re proud to play such an important role in connecting the Isle of Wight with the mainland, and that means supporting access to the things that matter beyond essential travel too.
“When STUG shared concerns about the challenges people faced getting home after a night at the theatre, it felt like a problem worth solving together. This trial is a direct result of those conversations and demonstrates what’s possible when we listen to our customers and work collaboratively with our communities.
“We hope Theatre Lates will help more Islanders enjoy a great night out without worrying about the journey home.”
Bronwyn Hamilton Brown, Chair of STUG, added:
“This initiative came from conversations about the practical barriers Islanders can face when trying to enjoy a night at the theatre. Transport links aren’t just about getting people to work, school or appointments, they’re also about enabling people to enjoy the cultural, social and leisure opportunities available to everyone else.
“We’re pleased Red Funnel listened to our concerns and worked with us to develop a solution that enables theatre-goers to enjoy a night in Southampton without worrying about how or when they’re going to get home.
“We hope this trial proves successful and demonstrates the value of working together to make cultural and entertainment opportunities more accessible to Island communities.”
