A whole host of theatrical performances are on offer across the Island in the month of December.
Yes, it’s that time of the year again – so here are some festive treats for your December delectation…
First Act are fittingly first: they are bringing ‘Journey to Oz’ to Shanklin Theatre on December 3rd and 4th, both shows at 18:30. Always feelgood shows not to be missed, this one is the group’s own version of The Wizard of Oz and promises lots of fun, colour, laughter and music. Just the thing as we move into the festive season – so come along and support the fabulous cast and crew of First Act, and enjoy a great evening of entertainment. Tickets are available from the Shanklin Theatre Box Office at Journey to Oz – Shanklin Theatre or call 01983 868000.
The Priory School’s production of ‘Treasure Island’ comes to Quay Arts for 2 performances on 5th December, at 14:30 and 19:30. Come along to support the talented students and enjoy a swashbuckling, fun show.
If you want tickets however, you’ll need to be quick – they’re selling very quickly! Call the school on 01983 861222 to reserve yours.
Another traditional festive tale is told by The Panto Players in their production of ‘Scrooge’ which they are staging from 5th -8th December, including a Sunday matinee, at the IW Community Club, Cowes. They tell us that ‘Every single person in it has learnt every single one of their lines. They’ve mastered their dance steps and learnt all of their songs. All the expensive looking props are done, as are costumes and backdrops. This is the Director’s masterpiece. Now come along and get a ticket – £5 from The Isle of Wight Community Club – Cowes (No refunds in the event that any of the above claims turn out not to be entirely true).’
CAODS at Trinity Theatre bring you ‘Dracula the Panto’ from 6th – 8th and 13th-15th December including evening shows and matinees. This is a terrific gothic style traditional pantomime containing all the elements needed to keep you spellbound! Suspense, mock horror and heaps of tongue in cheek humour. Suitable for all ages, book now to avoid disappointment! Count Dracula arrives in England in search of the key to his hoard of stolen treasure. Assuming the guise of landlord Major Artery, he crosses paths with Duffy the Vampire slayer, whose mother Dame Plasma Van Helsing, rents a house from him. Dracula escapes back to Transylvania, but is pursued by Duffy, accompanied by her mother and her friend Rema Globin. Get your tickets from Cowes Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society event tickets from TicketSource. Or call 01983 295229.
‘Elf the Musical’ comes to Shanklin Theare from 7th-10th December, courtesy of TheatreTrain. Join them for a full-scale, spectacular production that’s sure to delight audiences of all ages! The cast has been working incredibly hard to bring this festive favourite to life. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable Christmas adventure filled with joy, laughter, and festive fun! So get your tickets now – but hurry, Saturday and Sunday are almost sold out! https://theatretrain.co.uk/elf-the-musical-book-now/
The well-known story of ‘Red Riding Hood; is the basis for the New Strolling Players’ pantomime at Freshwater Memorial Hall from 12 -14th December. The cast are busily preparing to entertain you with lots of music, laughter and general silliness as they bring this traditional tale to life onstage. Tickets are available from The Orchard Bros. in Freshwater Bay and also at the Cabin in Freshwater! Or purchase online at: https://thenewstrollingplayers.org
Another family favourite is the tale of ‘Robin Hood’, told through pantomime by Amy White Theatre on 14th and 15th December (2 performances per day) at East Cowes Town Hall. The band of Merry Men would love to see you down in Sherwood Forest – but beware, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham could be around too…. The bad news (for those wanting tickets) is that both matinees are now sold out, and tickets are selling really quickly for the evening shows – if you’re very lucky you may manage to grab one of the last few at Amy White Theatre event tickets from TicketSource.
Finally, taking us right into Christmas week, the talented youngsters of Pink Cow Theatre bring us ‘Rudy’s Christmas Quest’. Rudy and all his friends from the North Pole are back once again at the Apollo Theatre! All is in order at Santa’s workshop until they’re paid a visit by Balthazar Humbug who wants to take over the North Pole… Join Rudy, Figgy, Foggy, Button, Frosty and all their festive friends as they set off on an adventure to find Santa and save the day! Packed full of singing, dancing and plenty of Christmas magic, don’t miss your chance to see Rudy’s Christmas Quest, on for three days only! See it from 21st -23rd December with shows at 11:30 and 16:30. Book now at Rudy’s Christmas Quest | Pink Cow Theatre
Phew! And that’s it for 2024! See you next year.
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...
