Around 30 separate performances made up this very special and entertaining show, featuring a wide range of Islanders with two things in common – talent and residency on our lovely Island.
Author: maureen292
RAISING THE CURTAIN #10: “Shakespeare at the Castle” by Maureen Sullivan
“Hmm, let me think – me, a Shakespeare nut, direct one of his funniest plays in the unique setting of our historic castle, beloved of Keats – less beloved, it has to be said, of Charles I… it took me all of five seconds to say yes.”
RAISING THE CURTAIN #8: “Why Shakespeare?” – by Maureen Sullivan
Why Shakespeare indeed!
Shakespeare gives us characters who are timeless, who wrestle with the same issues we still grapple with – self-doubt, greed, pride, jealousy, love and hate, wanting revenge – and at the same time his characters are capable of providing farce, slapstick comedy and general stupidity. Most of all, Shakespeare’s characters are human.
REVIEWED: “Greg Chapman (Almost) Live!” – by Greg Chapman
“Combining the best features of live performance and recorded shows, this ‘almost live’ hour flew by, providing some much-needed laughter and entertainment.”
RAISING THE CURTAIN #7: ‘The Costume’s the Thing!’ – by Maureen Sullivan
Let’s not forget the Wardrobe Department. As Maureen says, “the costumes maketh the play…”
RAISING THE CURTAIN #2: “Why Amateur Theatre?” by Maureen Sullivan
If someone asked you “Why amateur theatre?” , how would you answer? Maureen Sullivan picks up our Raising The Curtain baton and gives us an insight into her own amateur theatre origins story.
REVIEW: ‘The Thrill of Love’ by Amanda Whittington – The Apollo Players
The mesmerising performance of Holly Squires as Ruth, taking us from her struggles as a single mother through her own personal hell of alcoholism, abortions, miscarriages and domestic abuse that finally drove her to the murder she was convicted of.
REVIEW: ‘The Addams Family’ – South Wight Youth Theatre
I’d like to say a sincere well done to everyone involved with this wonderful production, and to encourage anyone who enjoys musical comedy and supporting the young talent of our Island to go and see it – from an audience member who went away singing and looking forward to the next SWYT show!
REVIEW: ‘Our Skool’s Nativity’ – The Bay CE School
“…the show’s strength really lies in the talent and dedication of the whole cast,…”
All I can say to sum up, in the words of grumpy journalist Simon Sparks (a marvellous cameo from Leo Fitzpatrick) is “I don’t often say this, but I give it six stars.”
In fact, there are far more than six stars in this show – every one of the students (and a couple of teachers!) on stage, and every one of the production team behind it is a star!
REVIEW: “Dad’s Army” – The Apollo Players
The Apollo is gaining a reputation for ‘blockbuster’ productions at Christmas – a good alternative to the traditional pantomime for a festive family treat. Last year ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ proved immensely popular and this year ‘Dad’s Army’ became the first Apollo Players’ show in history to sell out every performance before the curtain had even risen on opening night.