February is often a cold, unforgiving time of year, so while waiting for the first buds of spring to appear, cheer yourself up with a visit to one of the great shows coming up this month! There’s still time to catch The Apollo Players’ ‘Bedroom Farce’, one of Alan Ayckbourn’s most renowned plays. Trevor and Susannah, whose marriage is on the rocks, inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest: three couples whose own relationships are tenuous at best. Director Gwen Stevens said:
“You can’t go wrong with an Ayckbourn, with his wonderfully timed lines and realistic characters. We all know people just like the characters in his play. It could sound as though all the disasters make a depressing evening’s entertainment, but you will see it is full of laughs from start to finish.”
The show runs from 2nd-10th February (no performances Sunday or Monday). Book online at www.apollo-theatre.org.uk or ring the box office on (01983) 210010. You know it’s February half term when the WightStrollers stage their annual pantomime – oh yes you do!! This year they present this timeless tale of ‘Snow White’, so come to Medina Theatre to see the fairest panto of them all in February Half Term 2024. The Wight Strollers’ pantomimes are always full of colour, laughter, and toe-tapping music, and guaranteed to delight all ages! All proceeds go to Island charities and good causes, so save the dates for this tale of fun, friendship and true love and help to raise as much money as possible. Everyone deserves a dose of panto magic, so the Strollers have again frozen their ticket prices. Show Dates and Times are: Saturday 10th @ 14:30 + 19:30; Sunday 11th @ 14:30; and Saturday 17th @ 14:30 + 19:30. Our final show for February is brought to you by a brand new company – at least in name. Shoreline Productions has replaced Ventnor Theatre Group as the company develops an Island-wide profile, starting with the production of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ at Shanklin Theatre. 
Prepare to be captivated by this local production, backed by a magnificent 20+ piece orchestra, stunning set designs, and exquisite costumes, as they bring to life the tale of Christine Daaé, a talented soprano. Watch as she becomes the object of obsession for a mysterious and masked musical genius, the Phantom, who dwells beneath the enchanting Paris Opera House. With a desire to keep Christine by his side, the Phantom weaves a gripping narrative of love and longing. Against the backdrop of one of the West End’s most unforgettable musical scores, including “Music of the Night” “All I Ask of You,” and, of course, the iconic “Phantom of the Opera,” the Phantom’s tale comes to life in a stunning production filled with enchantment and wonder. Shows are at 19:30 on 15th, 16th and 17th February and at 14:30 on 17th and 18th and tickets are available from shanklintheatre.com/events/the_phantom_of_the_opera/details.aspx?cookie=3 or call 01983 868000. And that’s it for February – see you next month!
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...
