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...
Maureen Sullivan previews theatre events on the Isle of Wight in February…
Curtain Call Creative is thrilled to announce Fabulous February – a month filled with vibrant, family-friendly entertainment that showcases the extraordinary talents of their junior and senior students.
With 2 spectacular productions lined up, audiences are in for a magical, toe-tapping treat.
First up is Seussical at Medina Theatre 1st and 2nd February, presented by Curtain Call Creative’s Junior Students. This fantastical musical extravaganza brings Dr. Seuss’s most beloved characters to life. Join Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, and the mischievous Mayzie, along with Jojo – a little boy with a big imagination – as they embark on a whimsical adventure full of heart, humour, and hope.
This family-friendly production is a feast for the senses, featuring bold, vibrant costumes and set designs, energetic choreography and a joyful, upbeat score. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Seussical promises an unforgettable experience that will have the whole family tapping along and smiling from ear to ear. Book your tickets now: https://www.medinatheatre.co.uk/events/seussical/
Meanwhile, following the success of their recent hit production, ‘Sweeney Todd’, Curtain Call Creative’s senior students return to the stage at Shanklin Theatre this February half-term (19th, 20th and 21st) with the iconic musical that has captured hearts for generations – ‘Grease’, transporting you back to Rydell High for an electrifying journey through Summer Lovin’, teen rebellion, and rock ‘n’ roll. This high-octane production is packed with energy, humour, and all the unforgettable songs you know and love, including “You’re the One That I Want” “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “Greased Lightnin’”.
Featuring a professional set and bespoke costumes, a full live orchestra and the outstanding production values audiences have come to expect from Curtain Call Creative, this show is being choreographed by West End star, Imogen Bailey. Whether you’re a “Beauty School Dropout” or “Born to Hand Jive,” this absolute classic promises a feel-good evening of unmissable entertainment. So, “You better shape up” and grab your tickets before they’re gone!
https://shanklintheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows
The Pepperpot Players think It’s time for some disgraceful behaviour to kick off the New Year. They present two one act comedies designed to put the fun into February. Come and join at Niton Village Hall on 7th, 8th and 9th (Sunday matinee) for ‘Women Behaving Badly’!
In Dirty Business, two cleaners decide to play rough when they fear they’re going to be made redundant, and their boss – the aptly named Roger – bears the brunt of their full frontal attack.
Then, it’s time for White Lies. White Lies which tells of a reunion of four women who went to university together. Each is very different, and the evening doesn’t go as planned. The drinks are served by a waiter with attitude, and one thing leads to another. Tickets are available from Ticketsource.co.uk/pepperpots or call 01983 638117.
The next production at the Apollo Theatre, Newport, will be Simon Stephens’ ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’, a contemporary ensemble piece which brings Mark Haddon’s best- selling novel of the same name to thrilling life on stage. Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. He tries to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington; he has an extraordinary brain but he has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, detests being touched and distrusts strangers. His mission takes him on a journey that upturns his world. Ten actors take on a range of parts, many of them multi-role, in this very physical play involving teamwork, both vocal and physical, to portray Christopher’s heartfelt story.
With this in mind, the Thursday evening performance will be specially adapted to accommodate audience members who find some of the ‘traditional’ theatre rules, such as needing to stay in your seat and be quiet throughout, more difficult. Some of the lighting and sound cues will be changed, to remove loud music and sudden noises; strobe lighting will be switched off, and any other flashing lights will be slowed down. We ask that anyone attending this performance is supportive and understanding of other audience members’ needs. ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ runs from 14-22 February 2025 (not Sunday or Monday). Book online at www.apollo-theatre.org.uk or ring the box office on (01983) 210010.
And last but definitely not least, you’ll be delighted to know that fresh from the success of 2024’s ‘Snow White’ and ‘Sweet Charity’, the Wight Strollers are back with their ever-popular annual pantomime. This year they are bringing the story of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ to Medina Theatre on 15th, 16th, and 22nd February, with the profits as always donated to Island charities – their 2025 charities are Better Days Cafe, TrackAdog Team, Men Only IOW, Haylands Farm, plus we are donating another Public Access Defibrillator to the Island with Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Training & Community Response Services. So as well as enjoying a cracking night out, you’ll be supporting important local causes. There are 2.30pm and 7.30pm shows each Saturday, with a 2.30pm Sunday matinee.
This colourful, quirky tale by Ben Crocker, based on the classic Lewis Carroll story, features everyone’s favourite characters, from the Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter to the White Rabbit and Red Queen, and in the hands of The Wight Strollers it is sure to delight adults and children alike. So this February, dive down the rabbit hole and enjoy a land full of wonder with Alice. Tickets are available from Alice in Wonderland or call Medina Theatre’s box office on 01983 823884.
