Is it June already? We’re halfway through the year – but the good news is it’s summer, and there are plenty of theatrical treats coming up….
The Island Savoyards are celebrating! Believe it or not, it’s 50 years since the famed musical theatre group first trod the boards, and they are still going strong – remarkably, with their original secretary and treasurer – sterling service from Sheelagh Stevens and Jilly Legg, who are both lending their beautiful voices to the upcoming gala evening featuring a huge range of songs from as many of the Savoyard shows as can be fitted into one night! Shanklin Theatre plays host to this extravaganza on Saturday 11th June at 19:30.
Given the Savoyards’ reputation for lavish, professional productions, it is no surprise that ‘Be Our Guest’ will include a full scale orchestra on stage; a large and very talented ensemble comprised of their members, all of whom have contributed to previous shows; a number of accomplished soloists and dancers who will perform a programme put together by the skilled and experienced Musical Director, Andrew Woodford.
Expect to hear pieces from Gilbert and Sullivan; traditional musicals such as My Fair Lady alongside more modern shows such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and 9-5 – all of which (and many more) represent past Savoyard hit productions. Tickets are selling fast – and remember this is for one night only – but a few can still be purchased from the Shanklin Theatre website at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/tickets.aspx?did=2058 or from the Shanklin Theatre Box Office on 01983 868000.
Over at Bembridge Village Hall, the Wight Island Players present ‘That’s Entertainment’, consisting of comedy sketches, music and singing, to be followed by an Old Time Music Hall featuring a gripping melodrama.
Performances are on 10th June at 19:30 and 11th June at 14:00. Tickets are available from the Wellcome Stores, Lane End, Bembridge, or by calling 01983 875187 to reserve.
‘His Name is Zak’ is the latest play from the Apollo Youth Theatre, following on from their spooky and very successful Christmas production of ‘The Devil’s Mirror’.
Growing up and finding out who you are is hard enough for many teenagers, but for Zak, it was harder than most. Different viewpoints of the same situations can cause conflict and ultimately pain, but as everyone is keen to get their voice heard, who is listening to Zak? Often when someone attempts suicide, the first question asked is ‘Why?’ With a mixture of dance, animation, film and theatre we unravel the relationships around Zak to examine what led him to this point of desperation.
‘His Name is Zak’ performances are Friday 10th and Saturday 11th June at 19:30. All tickets £6. To book visit www.apollo-theatre.org.uk or call 01983 210010 and leave a message. Please note: this production contains some strong language, deals with themes of suicide, and, therefore, may not be suitable for those under the age of 13.
Finally for this month, save the date: you are cordially invited to the wedding reception of King Claudius and Queen Gertrude of Denmark, to be held in the grounds of Northwood House on 23rd, 24th and 25th June at 18:00.
(This is June 1932 of course, so please feel free to dress accordingly if you wish). To add to the atmosphere, you have an option to pre-order a celebratory drink of your choice with your ticket. You are most welcome to bring a picnic, along with picnic blanket or garden chairs, and enjoy the ambience of the royal celebration, coming as it does just after the sad death of the poor Queen’s first husband King…er…oh yes – HAMLET!\
Hamlet – as you’ve never seen it before. Whether you are a Shakespeare devotee or not, you will laugh – yes, really! – be surprised, marvel at the expert fight scenes and fully appreciate the tragedy of this most famous play, brought to you by many of the incredibly talented actors who were part of many successful productions such as Merry Wives of Windsor, Much Ado About Nothing, Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest over the years at Carisbrooke Castle. This year they have gathered together under the banner of the well known Ad Lib Theatre Company, in association with Northwood House, and Hamlet promises to be an unmissable show.
Tickets are flying out of the box office so get yours now at https://northwoodhouse.org/event/hamlet-outdoor-theatre/or call 01983 293642.
And that’s it for this month – see you in July, and until then, have a great, summery, and very theatrical few weeks.
