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...
Those talented young performers of Curtain Call Creative bring ‘Sweeney Todd – the Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ to Medina Theatre for 3 shows on the 9th and 10th November.
The company is proud to present this infamous story that has shocked, awed and delighted audiences across the world. The Tony award-winning musical, including the Best Musical title, is a thrilling, theatrical treat telling the tale of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him.
Sweeney’s road to revenge leads him to Mrs Lovett, a resourceful owner of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber shop. Mrs Lovett’s luck shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of a new ingredient into her meat pies.
Curtain Call Creative’s senior students present this production with a full live orchestra, professional set and costumes and all of the style that audiences have come to know and love from the Curtain Call team.
Some themes within this musical may be distressing – audience discretion is advised. Tickets are available from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (medinatheatre.co.uk) or by calling the Box Office on 01983 823884.
‘Laying the Ghost’ is the next play presented by Bembridge Little Theatre Club, staged at Bembridge Village Hall from 28th November to 1st December. This fast moving comedy is set in Yew Tree House, a retirement home for a group of eccentric, charming and “growing old outrageously” theatricals.
These include ex-actress Margot Buchanan and her psychic friend Freda; Margot is less than pleased when she receives three birthday visitors: her ex-husband Sir Leo Buchanan a well-known actor and philanderer, his second wife and his current mistress. Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/Bembridge-Little-Theatre-Club or on 07841950261.
The famous musical ‘West Side Story’ is to be staged by the senior students of Ryde School at their dedicated on-campus theatre, The Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre, on 27th -30th November.
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, in this landmark Broadway musical. Expect lots of well-known songs including Maria, Tonight and Somewhere, along with toe-tapping rhythms, dancing and the unique mix of fun and tension which characterises this ever-popular show.
The lovers’ struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of today’s time. From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. With Tom Thorne as Tony and Ava Cowan as Maria, fresh from their successful summer run of “Bugsy Malone” at the Mayflower Theatre, and a large and talented ensemble, 14 piece orchestra, impressive set and a unique thrust arena staging this will be a show not to be missed. Tickets are available at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/…/jenny-kerry-performing…
Finally, the Apollo Youth Theatre reprise their production of ‘Pinocchio’ which wowed audiences at Ventnor Fringe in the summer: it now comes to the Apollo Theatre from 29th November – 1st December. Pinocchio is an exciting piece of physical theatre adapted from Carlo Collodi’s original story. Leaving other versions far behind, this story tells the real tale of the puppet’s adventures until he finally becomes a real boy.
Written by Karl Whitmore, devised by Apollo Youth Theatre participants and directed by Mish Whitmore, this dark yet entertaining production takes the audience on Pinocchio’s journey, where he encounters many trials and tribulations along the way in his pursuit to become who he really wants to be.
Expertly choreographed by Ann Abe to a captivating soundtrack created by island musicians Annelise Hallam and Harry Spencer (and members of the cast!), the audience learns the challenges of becoming your true self and the complexities of that realistic image being accepted by society. This production is suitable for all ages although contains some darker themes throughout.
Unlike any other adaptation of Pinocchio, this cannot be missed! Tickets are available from Pinocchio | Apollo Theatre (apollo-theatre.org.uk) or the Box Office on 01983 210010.
