Here is a preview of all the theatrical performances coming up across the Island in December.
Is it me, or has 2022 gone really quickly? It’s the last theatre column of the year, but there are still plenty of treats to look forward to….
CAODS are spreading seasonal cheer with their traditional pantomime Cinderella at Trinity Theatre from 2nd – 11th December. Expect the usual mix of music, mayhem laughter. Tickets are available via the CAODS website at www.caods.org.uk or on 01983 295229, but hurry – at least one night is already sold out!
Meanwhile, the Apollo Theatre is staging two comedy plays also from 2nd – 11th December: Double The Funny comprises Brenton vs Benton and Last Panto in Little Grimley by David Tristram. What is the dark secret hidden within the Brenton family? Why are Lana’s shoulder pads wider than the door? All is revealed in this parody of American soap operas set in Chicago’s biggest ad agency.
Little Grimley has a problem: its Dramatic Society now comprises four members. Audiences are not much bigger, so if they don’t do something radical they’re going to be thrown out for not paying the rent. What can they do to save the show – and the Society? Tickets are available at https://www.apollo-theatre.org.uk/two-one-act-comedies-brenton-v-brenton-by-david-tristram-and-last-panto-in-little-grimley/ or on 01983 210010.
If you want to get into the festive season with your toes tapping, you can do no better than visit Shanklin Theatre on 7th or 8th December to see Ventnor Theatre Group’s new show Rock Nativity. As the title suggests, the show is the traditional story of the nativity – but set to rock music! Get in the Christmas mood, remind yourself of the holiday’s true meaning, and have a rip-roaring rocking time! Get your tickets at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/ventnor_theatre_group_present__rock_nativity/details.aspx or call the box office on 01983 868000.
Also at Shanklin Theatre, on 10th and 11th December (Sunday is a matinee) those talented students of TheatreTrain are back, this time with a very different production which showcases the huge variety of skills and experience which the students have been developing this term. The young singers, dancers and actors have been challenged in a wide variety of genres and disciplines throughout the last term – and they are very excited at the prospect of showing you their new abilities.
Every age group, every level of expertise and each individual performance have been brought together under the colourful umbrella of the title: A World of Colour. Each piece has a connection to a colour, either in the title of a song, a show or a dance routine.
We all need a little more colour in our lives, especially after the last couple of years, so treat yourself this Christmas and enjoy the rainbow of colour, music, drama, dance and song. Rainbows bring sunshine and happiness after the rain, and you will leave the theatre feeling positive, hopeful and happy. Get your tickets now at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/theatretrain_presents_world_of_colour/details.aspx
Fresh from the sell-out success of their first Gilbert and Sullivan show, Pirates of Penzance, in September, GASP present an afternoon of Carols and Mince Pies at 14:30 on December 11th. A fund-raiser for Bembridge Village Hall where the event is held, the show promises to get you in the Christmas mood with a mix of traditional carols and festive songs which you can sing along to – or enjoy listening if you prefer – along with a few seasonal readings and lesser known musical pieces.
The bar will be open, so enjoy a drink – tea, coffee or something stronger – to accompany your free mince pie, relax, take a break from the card writing and present wrapping: unfortunately we can’t provide a ride home on Santa’s sleigh but we do guarantee you will leave the hall tapping your feet, singing and feeling very very festive.
Tickets are selling very fast, so secure yours at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/Bembridge-Little-Theatre-Club/carols-and-mince-pies/2022-12-11/14:30/t-vvvmxad phone 07841 950261 or come along to Bembridge Library on Wednesdays from 10-12am where you can buy in person.
What really happened to Sleeping Beauty after she was woken by a kiss? Find out at Freshwater Memorial Hall as the New Strolling Players present their festive pantomime ‘Happily Ever After’ on 15th – 17th December. Fun for all the family, it will definitely get you into the festive mood – oh yes it will! Tickets are available from Topknots and Tails Grooming Parlour in Freshwater; Orchard Bros in Freshwater Bay and Bluebythesea in Yarmouth.
Finally, The Apollo Youth Theatre are back with a Christmas treat: Rudy’s Christmas Cracker at the Apollo Theatre. Take a trip to the North Pole, meet Rudy and the Elves. See inside Santa’s workshop in a magical Christmas show for children big and small. It’s full of singing, dancing and festive fun. Performances at 11:00 and 15:00 each day from 22nd to 24th December. Running time approximately 1hr 15 minutes; tickets available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/apollotheatre/rudys-christmas-carol/e-edzlrb
It just remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – see you in 2023!
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...
