Welcome to April’s theatre column, here’s a look at what’s in store for you from the Island’s theatrical scene this month. First the talented youngsters of Curtain Call Creative bring you the renowned musical ‘Legally Blonde’, so get ready to experience the vibrant story of determined sorority girl Elle Woods which promises to captivate audiences with its infectious energy and empowering narrative, showing that determination and wit can triumph over adversity. Audiences can expect a true musical theatre spectacle filled with catchy tunes, dynamic choreography, and dazzling professional set and costumes, all held together by a live band providing the musical backdrop. ‘Legally Blonde The Musical’ runs from April 11th to April 14th at Shanklin Theatre. Don’t miss your chance to witness the triumph of girl power and the resilience of the human spirit. Tickets are available now at www.shanklintheatre.com or on 01983 868000. Over in Newchurch there’s been a ‘Murder on the Midnight Ferry’ – no, it’s not just the latest excuse for the ferries not running, it’s Newchurch Drama Group’s latest hilarious play. Written by the acclaimed local author Kevin Wilson (Wake, ID, Fresh Start to name just a few hit shows from his pen), ‘Murder…’ as its name suggests has elements of a murder mystery. But it also has all the ingredients of a farce and some pantomime moments too. So what is it? It’s hilariously funny, is what it is! So join the gang on what proves to be not the smoothest of crossings: the tea is foul and the toaster is broken, while the redoubtable Miss Marble and hopeless Detective Davis are on the trail of a murderer…but all is not as it seems….There are 3 sailings – on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th April at 19:30 and Sunday 14th at 14:30 – book now on ticketsource.co.uk/newchurchdramagroup or call 07562 050165. CAODS will be bringing ‘Dirty Dusting’ to Trinity Theatre on 18th – 20th and 25th – 27th April at 19:30. A comedy written Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, ‘Dirty Dusting’ follows the trials and tribulations of three “vintage style” cleaners Olive, Gladys and Elsie who are threatened with redundancy. Feeling as washed up as their jobs, the ladies are inspired by a wrong telephone number to start a new business of a very different sort…. 
The show contains adult humour – expect some innuendo and strong language from some very disgruntled older ladies. Tickets are available at Dirty Dusting at Trinity Theatre event tickets from TicketSource. The Island Savoyards’ spring musical, ‘Me and My Girl’, comes to Shanklin Theatre from 25th – 27th April at 19:30 along with a 2.30 Sunday matinee on 28th. Bill Snibson, a Lambeth costermonger, is revealed to be the new Earl of Hareford and his newly-discovered aristocratic relations are horrified. Bringing him to Hareford Hall, they attempt to educate Bill into the ways of the gentry and to separate him from his cockney girlfriend Sally. The result? Chaos of the most comical kind! With a host of hilarious characters, witty one-liners and several toe-tapping, uplifting songs (including the famous Lambeth Walk, The Sun Has Got His Hat On and Leaning On A Lamp Post) ‘Me and My Girl’ is a sublime and sunny treat for all fans of musical comedy! Tickets are available from www.shanklintheatre.com or on 01983 868000. And finally, a production to really make you ‘Smile’ – for that is the title of Niton Playbox’s new and original show based on the life of Charlie Chaplin. This brand new musical set in the streets of Lambeth, features a cast of talented young actors aged between 8 and 14 years old, all playing multiple roles. ‘Local writer Val Hayward based the play on her grandparents, who were brought up in the same area and knew Charlie in his early years: the show captures the atmosphere of the London streets of the time, with their barrow boys, street urchins and music halls. Tickets, priced at 10 per adult and £5 per child are available via PayPal – go to [email protected] (Please leave name & date of performance you wish to attend as a booking reference). 
Wow! What a great selection of shows – see you next month for even more theatrical treats!
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...
