Maureen Sullivan provides the latest insight into the Island’s theatres – with a big lineup set to hit the stage over the next few weeks!
All right, we have to admit it – it’s autumn. Even if the weather doesn’t quite know what it’s supposed to be doing, Island theatres certainly do, and they are preparing some top quality entertainment for you over the next month or two.
The Island Savoyards are thrilled to be back at Shanklin Theatre, performing the deviously delicious smash-hit musical Little Shop of Horrors. Nerdy Seymour works in a run-down flower shop, and attempts to avoid its closure by bringing in a plant he has named Audrey II, in honour of his colleague for whom he secretly harbours feelings. Audrey II however begins to wilt, and Seymour discovers it needs to be fed human blood…
This iconic show is a tongue-in-cheek comedy, with an early Motown vibe and hungry carnivorous Venus fly trap that is out of this world! The Savoyards will be bursting on to the Shanklin stage with a live orchestra, unique set design and an amazing, talented cast to mark their first full show in 2 years. Little Shop of Horrors will run from 21st – 23rd October at Shanklin Theatre – you can book tickets from the website at https://www.shanklintheatre.com or by calling the theatre box office on 01983 868000.
You may be familiar with the Ronald Dahl story of Matilda, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She lives with cruel parents who find her to be a nuisance, a lousy little worm, and a bore. When Matilda enters her first term at school, she captures the attention of Miss Honey, a kind teacher, and the two form a wonderful friendship.
Unfortunately, the school is ruled by a tempestuous and mean headmistress named Miss Trunchbull, who hates children and delivers cruel and unjust punishments to all her charges. Matilda is determined to change her story, but will her cleverness and courage be enough to withstand the reign of Miss Trunchbull?
Find out in the TheatreTrain musical Matilda Jr which will be staged at Trinity Theatre, Cowes from Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd October at 7pm and Sun 24th October at 14:00 and 17:30. Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/theatretrain
Following on from the success of the 1930’s Ladies in Lavender, the Apollo Players are bringing us right up to date with God of Carnage, a comedy of manners – with no manners!
2 couples get together to discuss an issue between their respective young sons, but what starts out as a polite, amicable exchange of views becomes progressively more challenging, more childish – and more and more hilarious!
Audiences can expect a certain amount of adult language; as the author herself said:
“My plays are about people who are well brought up but lose control of themselves.”
Tickets for God of Carnage, to be staged from 5th – 13th November (not Sunday or Monday) are available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/apollotheatre/god-of-carnage/e-pjymmp or from the box office on 01983 210010.
More comedy, this time of a musical nature, is provided by Bembridge Little Theatre Club who are staging the award-winning Broadway show Nunsense at Bembridge Village Hall on 11th, 12th and 13th November at 19:30 with a Sunday matinee on 14th November at 14:30. The Little Sisters of Hoboken are in trouble: for reasons they will explain they have four dead nuns in the freezer until they can afford funerals.
Which gives them a great idea – hold a charity musical show to raise the money! With all the sisters convinced they are the next star singer or ballerina, Reverend Mother hilariously struggles to keep control but the result is a great mix of singing, dancing and comedy. Tickets for Nunsense are available from the box office on 07841950261 or by calling in at Splash, Union Street, Ryde or the Co-op Welcome Store in Lane End, Bembridge.
Following their smash hit production of Fame!, Curtain Call Creative is proud to present All Together Now!: A Global Event Celebrating Local Theatre. This exclusive musical revue features songs from some of the world’s most beloved shows.
The company will be back on stage at Medina Theatre for ONE NIGHT ONLY on 14th November (15:00 and 19:00) with a 17 piece orchestra alongside the stellar cast, with professional set and costumes – you won’t want to miss this musical extravaganza! A high energy night of toe-tapping tunes paired with stunning performances of timeless theatre classics is the perfect way to return to the theatre in 2021.
A fantastic selection of songs are featured in this brand new musical revue from shows including Rent, Les Misérables, Matilda, Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia! and many more! These unmistakable tunes will have you leaving the theatre with a spring in your step and a smile on your face. Book your ticket by calling the box office on 01983 823884 or online at http://www.medinatheatre.co.uk/article/curtain-call-creative-proud-present-all-together-now
That’s all for now but I am already looking forward to next month’s column when I will be able to tell you all about the festive theatre events leading up to Christmas: look out for Peter Pan, Dick Whittington, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella…
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...
