Happy New Year! And welcome to a very theatrical 2026. We have a few January treats to start the year…
First off, the Wight Island Players bring their annual pantomime to Bembridge Village Hall – oh yes they do!! This year it’s Robinson Crusoe, from 16th – 18th January. As always, this family-oriented group present a fun filled show with lots of laughs and adventures.
Join them and follow the Crusoe family as they try and find the hidden treasure whilst trying to defeat Captain Blacktashe the villainous pirate, monkeys, cannibals and ghosts appear as they travel to unknown places. Colourful scenes will make you gasp with delight and of course there is always the Dame to make you laugh and the romance of the seven seas. So all aboard my hearties for a magical journey into the unknown. Tickets are available online at Robinson Crusoe at Bembridge Village Hall event tickets from TicketSource or call 07599 954862.
Frozen Jnr comes to East Cowes Town Hall, courtesy of TheatreTrain on 31st January and 1st February. Do you want to build a snowman? Because Theatretrain is bringing the magic of Frozen Jr. to life! Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf and the whole cast as they take you on a journey of love, courage and icy magic in this spectacular musical adventure performed by our talented Theatretrain students!
Step into the magical world of Arendelle and experience the story of Elsa, Anna, and friends brought to life through song, dance, and heart-warming performances. Expect snow, sparkle, and plenty of “Let It Go” moments — it’s a show the whole family will love! Tickets are available from https://theatretrain.co.uk/frozen-jr-tickets-on-sale-now/
And finally. Curtain Call Creative are staging Matilda Jnr on 31st January and 1st February at Trinity Theatre in Cowes. Perfect for the whole family, this clever, funny, and heart-warming show is the ideal way to make memories together in the New Year. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
A gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination, Matilda is the story of a girl who dreams of a better life, and will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers! She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the pupils’ saving grace! Tickets are available from Curtain Call Creative
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...
