More good news on the theatre front – one of our favourite musical theatre companies is back! Rebecca Finch tells our theatre columnist Maureen Sullivan all about it:
The Island Savoyards are thrilled to be back at Shanklin Theatre after 2 years of being unable to rehearse or perform due to the Covid pandemic.
As with so many theatre societies, the last 18 months has seen shows cancelled, lost revenues and hard working members unable to take part in the thing they love the most… the theatre!
In March 2020, The Island Savoyards were just 2 weeks away from staging Kipps – Half a Sixpence, which had to be cancelled in the final stages of rehearsals. Throughout the pandemic, the society has kept its members entertained with online quizzes and virtual performances.
2021 marks The Island Savoyards’ 50th years in the business. Whilst the society has made the decision to postpone the big golden anniversary celebrations until 2022, they were eager to get back to the rehearsal room and on stage as soon as restrictions allowed.
This October 21st -24th, The Island Savoyards are excited to be performing the deviously delicious Little Shop of Horrors at Shanklin Theatre. This iconic show has been devouring the hearts of theatre goers across the world for more than 30 years. With lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Disney favourite Alan Menken, Little Shop of Horrors is a tongue-in-cheek comedy, with an early Motown vibe and hungry carnivorous Venus flytrap that is out of this world!
The Island Savoyards are delighted to announce the creative team as: Pete Stockman (Director), Rosie Sales (Choreographer), and Andrew Woodford Musical Director) who will be conducting the live orchestra.
Maureen Sullivan, theatre columnist, says:
“I have my ticket and am really looking forward to this show: the Savoyards are known for the high quality of their productions and I’m sure this one will be no exception!
“I happen to know that the company is also starting preparations for their follow up production which will be The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a brand new musical show based on the Victor Hugo novel and featuring some well known songs from the Disney version – another one to look forward to, The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be staged in the spring of 2022.
“But for now, my advice is to grab your tickets for Little Shop of Horrors as soon as you can – they are likely to sell very quickly!”
Tickets are on sale now from Shanklin Theatre box office 01983 868000 and online at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/the_island_savoyards_present_little_shop_of_horrors/details.aspx
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...
