2020 has been quite the year and, though we’ve been blessed with a lot of virtual theatre both by professionals and home companies alike, nothing will ever beat the feeling of sitting and watching a show in person.
Stepping into Trinity Theatre in Cowes on Friday, we were ecstatic. The front of house staff were kind, conversational and extremely reassuring. The venue itself was very Covid safe with distanced seating, mandatory masks and a one way system, it was clear the issue had been handled very professionally.
And what better way to welcome the island back to its marvellous theatre than with Festively Theatrical! A laid back, homely concert done by some of the islands most experienced in the amateur dramatic scene. Luke Cumberpatch, Emily Scotcher, Rob Bingham and Hannah Brewer (the Island’s Vintage songbird) gave spine tingling performances of all your favourite songs. A perfect mix of christmas songs like ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’ and show stopping numbers from Les Miserables and Hamilton. The group had excellent chemistry, never failing to pick up on opportunities for jokes and banter.
Special praise, however, must be given to Luke Mulhern, who played piano for every song in the event – even singing along with ‘You’re a Mean One Mr Grinch’. Truly a brilliant representation of the musicians on the island.
Their final performance is tonight and it’s a brilliant way for you to support island theatre and celebrate Emily Scotcher’s birthday with her!
Reviewed by Abbie Revert.
IWtheatre 