Island Theatre

After such a range of shows last month, can May measure up? You bet – just look at what’s coming up on Island stages this month…

First up, Bembridge Little Theatre Club brings you the world-famous Noel Coward comedy, ‘Blithe Spirit’.

Researching his novel, Charles Condomine invites Madame Arcati to conduct a séance in his living room. The appearance of his dead first wife, tension with his second wife, the bumbling attempts of Madame Arcati to address the situation, and the neurotic maid, Edith, all contribute to a hilarious play. Don’t miss the fun and entertainment coming to Bembridge Village Hall from May 12-15. Tickets are selling fast for all performances, so get yours now on 07841 950261.

Join Curtain Up Productions at Freshwater Memorial Hall, on May 20-21, for ‘A Jubilee Extravaganza’, a night of nostalgia, celebrating the Queen’s 70th Jubilee. From comedic sketches to ’sixties music and pop culture, this production documents British historical events during the Queen’s reign. This will also be Curtain Up’s 100th production. Tickets are available from The Cabin, Avenue Road, Freshwater or the FYT Shop on The Broadway, Totland, or email curtainup.publicity@gmail.com.

The Apollo Theatre are staging the psychological thriller ‘Dangerous Obsession’ from May 20-28 (not Sunday or Monday). A man obsessed with pinning the blame for his wife’s accident on someone who enters the Driscoll home and shatters their marriage. What exactly happened in Torquay? And will Sally and Mark ever feel safe in their home again? Tickets are available from the Apollo Box Office on 210010 or at apollo-theatre.org.uk/dangerous-obsession/.

On June 11, the Island Savoyards invite you to ‘Be Our Guest’ at their Golden Anniversary celebration event at Shanklin Theatre, featuring favourite numbers from past productions, from Gilbert and Sullivan to modern musicals such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Beauty and the Beast, all presented in the spectacular way the Savoyards are famed for. Tickets from bit.ly/IWO-BeOurGuest or 868000. And while you’re there, tickets are also on sale for the Savoyards’ autumn production of Guys and Dolls, coming in October – more details in this column soon!

Later in June, Northwood House, in association with Ad Lib Theatre, will be staging an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet – as you’ve never seen it before! Tickets are already on sale at northwoodhouse.org/event/hamlet-outdoor-theatre/ – look out for more details in next month’s column. Happy theatre-going!