THEATRE: WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THEATRE FANS ACROSS THE ISLAND THIS DECEMBER

In the last preview of the year, here’s a look at what is coming up in the world of theatre across the Island this December… Welcome to the final theatre column of the year and as you’d expect, it’s packed full of festive treats. First of the month is Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society bringing ‘Sleeping Beauty’ to the stage at Trinity Theatre Cowes. It’s a traditional pantomime with a new script written by Luke Mulhern, who is also the Musical Director. Luke says:

“The show is quite the spectacle and a great afternoon or night out, there is something for everyone, even if you don’t really like Panto!”

But who doesn’t? And with a cast of over 30, live band and storyline with a few unexpected twists, what’s not to like? ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is performed over the first two weekends in December: for details of showtimes and to get your tickets for this not-to-be-missed show, go to  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/trinitytheatre. The Way Forward Programme are very excited about this year’s Christmas show: ‘Journey to the Lamp’ is a new take on the traditional Aladdin story which the cast and crew have been working hard to bring to Medina Theatre to entertain the whole family this festive season. While Aladdin and Abu search for the magic lamp to help win the heart of Jasmin, back home, Dame Way Jai Ho is preparing the best welcome back party, causing havoc and mayhem along the way! ‘Journey to the Lamp’ will be staged on 6th December at 18:45 and tickets are available now at http://www.medinatheatre.co.uk/article/way-forward-programme-presents-journey-lamp Another panto favourite is Dick Whittington, from Amy White Theatre. The well-loved tale of the boy who came to London with his cat and became Mayor comes to East Cowes Town Hall on 9th and 10th December at 12:30 and 18:30 each day. See our hero come face to face with Queen Rat and her posse of rodents. Can he rid London of the rat plague and fulfil his destiny? Find out by grabbing your tickets now from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/amy-white-theatre but be quick – one show is already sold out and the others are filling up fast! Meanwhile, Shanklin Theatre is about to be transformed into a dazzling Arabian Nights spectacle as Theatretrain presents their enchanting performance of ‘Aladdin’ on the 9th (14:00 and 19:00) and 10th of December (13:00 and 17:00). Brace yourselves for a night of laughter, adventure, and pure magic as the talented cast takes you on a journey to the heart of Agrabah! This ‘Aladdin’ is not just a show; it’s a family-friendly extravaganza that caters to all ages. It’s filled to the brim with laughter, thrilling adventures, and toe-tapping, catchy tunes that will have you humming along for days. Get your tickets at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/theatretrain_presents_aladdin/details.aspx Last year’s Carols and Mince Pies at Bembridge Village Hall was a huge success, so for 2023 GASP are repeating this event on 10th December. A slightly different programme of songs and readings but still packed full of singalong favourites to get you feeling really Christmassy. The only bad news is that it’s now sold out, so call 07543 673117 to be put on the waiting list. The New Strolling Players are living up to their name this December by staging a brand new pantomime, written specially for them by Cheryl May. There are lots of new members in the cast and even a new director, Rowanna Earle-Payne, who says:

“It’s been a steep learning curve, but I’m really delighted with how collaborative the experience has been. We are so looking forward to putting on another fantastic show for West Wight audiences.”

Based on the traditional tale, ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’  features all the best ingredients of a traditional panto: the Dame;  Good Fairy Chiffon,  Princess Taffeta and evil cousin Wick-Eed. So come along to Freshwater Memorial Hall from 14th-16th December. Tickets are available from Topknot and Tails Dog Grooming in Freshwater; Orchard Bros in Freshwater Bay and BluebytheSea in Yarmouth. Finally the talented young performers of Apollo Youth Theatre take you right into Christmas week with ‘Cowterspace’. Based on the much loved nursery rhyme ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’, the show features the residents of Diddlesbury town who try to launch a cow into space, which contravenes Luna Laws, and draws the attention of the Intergalactic Moon Preservation Committee . The Apollo Youth Theatre have gained quite a reputation of thrilling audiences with original productions, and this brand new pantomime also comes from the talented and witty pen of Karl Whitmore. Filled with song and dance, terrible jokes, a romance or two, and all the pantomime traditions, this is set to entertain everyone. Tickets are available now at https://apolloyouththeatre.com/plays/cowterspace We are so lucky on this lovely Island to have such a range of wonderful shows to choose from during this festive season; it just remains for me to wish you a very Merry Christmas – see you next year!

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...