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... First, on 9th June, is Theatretrain’s ‘Musical Mayhem’. Set to take place at East Cowes Town Hall, this enchanting showcase of talent features Theatretrain’s youngest stars, aged 4-9 years. Bursting with energy and enthusiasm, these budding performers are ready to take centre stage and captivate audiences with a medley of beloved hits from their favourite shows. The anticipation is sky-high as tickets for this magical event have already sold out, promising a full house and an evening of musical delight that will be remembered for years to come. At Trinity Theatre, CAODS are presenting the first ever Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice show ‘The Likes of Us’. The show tells the true story of Thomas Barnardo setting up his first children’s home in London. It follows Barnardo’s arrival in London’s East End in 1866, his initial evangelical work and his eventual recognition of the plight and poverty amongst homeless children in the capital. The 2-act show depicts Barnardo’s first meeting with Syrie Elmslie, who eventually became his wife, and how the first Barnardo’s home for children came into being in 1867. ‘The Likes of Us’ is full of nuggets of music that Lloyd Webber borrowed for his other musicals, and has a unique charm. With over 40 on stage and a band of 9, this CAODS return to performing musicals after a few years’ break. Shows are: Thursday 13th June 19:30; Friday 14th June 19:30; Saturday 15th June 14:30 & 19:30 and Sunday 16th June 14:30 – so get your tickets now from www.caods.org.uk Make the most of the summer sun and fresh air by booking your place at, staged by Ad Lib Theatre Company’s open air production of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ at Northwood House. The show kicks off with the hilarious antics of drunken Christopher Sly, who is tricked into believing he is a Lord about to see a play performed especially for him… the play itself tells us of the equally daft tricks thought up to get close to beautiful Bianca who every man (apparently) wants to marry, and to get away from her sister Katherine….. But is Bianca as sweet an innocent as she appears? Is Kate actually ‘tamed’? And do the men really have the upper hand?? Our version questions the traditional interpretation of this problematic play and, while keeping strictly to Shakespeare’s words, offers an alternative view of Kate and Petruchio, while preserving the slapstick comedy of the original. Bring a picnic, buy a drink from the Lawn Bar and enjoy a 6pm evening performance on Friday or Saturday, or a 14:30 Sunday matinee – book now at Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” (Outdoor Theatre) – Northwood House or call 01983 293642. 
And finally, Way Forward Theatre present ‘Thank You for the Music’ at Medina Theatre on 28th June at 18:45. Mama Mia! We have a problem on our hands here in Greece and the only obvious way to resolve it must be through the power of song. Donna is perplexed as to how her ex-god/boyfriends keep turning up on her special island, but she soon finds out. Sophie just wants to find out who her real dad is, but it’s not as easy as you would think. To make matters even more confusing, her potential dads are none other than some of the most powerful Greek gods we know. On this journey we will meet lots of characters, some known…some not! And of course, all the while we hope you will enjoy some classic ABBA as well as some other top hits. Don’t forget to clap your hands and sing along with the cast on this epic tale with lots of fun and plenty of surprises! Get your tickets from The Way Forward Programme presents – Thank you for the Music | Medina Theatre. There’s more great entertainment in July: The Bay CE School’s ‘High School Musical’, another chance to see Niton Playbox’s ‘Smile’, ‘Sweet Charity’ from the WightStrollers and new shows from the Apollo Theatre and TheatreTrain – full details in next month’s column.
