Verity Godwin takes us on a personal tour as she explores the value of theatre on the Isle of Wight and the opportunities for our young up and coming creatives!
RAISING THE CURTAIN #3: “The Play’s The Thing” by Joe Plumb
As exam’s are put on hold for our drama students, Joe Plumb uses his own A Level Drama memories as a starting point for a trip through the plays that have shaped his theatrical life on the Isle of Wight.
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.
RAISING THE CURTAIN #1: “Two Planks, and a Wardrobe Malfunction” by Olly Fry
Olly Fry introduces us to one of his first “anecdotes of wisdom” and formative memories from The Dressing Room over the years. He also drops a theatrical gauntlet to the members and fans of the Island theatre community in the form of a question… Why it is that this scene has such a devoted following and why it is important …and most importantly, why it will continue to be so?
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: ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ – Amy White Theatre
“Amy White Theatre is a place to watch in coming years for the sheer quality of amateur production that they have produced recently. The company is exemplary in their energy and dedication to the art of pantomime. Well done all!”
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.
REVIEW: ‘Cinderella Live In Concert’ – Ventnor Theatre Group
Ventnor Theatre Group’s latest show was a unique spin on the classic pantomime Cinderella, giving it a modern reconfiguration and setting it in a concert style. It was an adventurous undertaking by director Joe Plumb who not only wrote the script, but also adapted the lyrics of popular musical theatre and pop songs to fit…
