Island Theatre

Is it June already? We’re halfway through the year – but the good news is it’s summer, and there are plenty of theatrical treats coming up.

The Island Savoyards are celebrating its 50 years since the famed musical theatre group first trod the boards, and they are still going strong, with ‘Be Our Guest’, a gala evening at Shanklin Theatre on Saturday, June 11, featuring a huge range of songs from as many of the Savoyard shows as can be fitted into one night.

With a large cast and full scale orchestra, expect to hear pieces from Gilbert and Sullivan, traditional musicals and modern shows. Tickets are selling fast but a few can still be purchased at bit.ly/IWO-Savoyards50 or on 868000.

Over at Bembridge Village Hall, the Wight Island Players present ‘That’s Entertainment’, consisting of comedy sketches, music and singing, to be followed by Old Time Music Hall.

Performances are on Friday, June 10 at 7.30pm and Saturday, June 11 at 2pm; tickets are available from the Wellcome Stores, Lane End, Bembridge, or by calling 875187 to reserve.

‘His Name is Zak’ is the latest play from the Apollo Youth Theatre. Growing up and finding out who you are is hard enough for many teenagers, but for Zak, it was harder than most. Performances are Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 at 7:30pm. All tickets are £6. To book visit apollo-theatre.org.uk or call 210010. This production contains some strong language, deals with themes of suicide, and, therefore, may not be suitable for those under the age of 13.

Finally for this month, you are cordially invited to the wedding reception of King Claudius and Queen Gertrude of Denmark in the grounds of Northwood House on June 23, 24 and 25. Bring a picnic and enjoy the royal celebration, coming as it does just after the sad death of the Queen’s first husband King…er…oh yes – HAMLET!

Hamlet – as you’ve never seen it before. You will see the comedy and tragedy of this most famous play, brought to you by Ad Lib Theatre Company, in association with Northwood House. Hamlet promises to be an unmissable show. Tickets are flying out of the box office so get yours now at northwoodhouse.org/event/hamlet-outdoor-theatre or call 293642.

And that’s it for this month – see you in July, and until then, have a great, summery, and very theatrical few weeks.