ISLAND THEATRE: January’s theatrical treats

Happy New Year! And welcome to a very theatrical 2026, and some January treats…

First, the Wight Island Players bring their annual pantomime to Bembridge Village Hall – oh yes they do! This year it’s Robinson Crusoe, from January 16-18. As always, this family-oriented group present a fun-filled show with lots of laughs and adventures. Join them and follow the Crusoe family as they try to find the hidden treasure, whilst trying to defeat Captain Blacktashe, the villainous pirate.

Colourful scenes will make you gasp with delight and, of course, there is always the Dame to make you laugh, and the romance of the seven seas. So, all aboard my hearties for a magical journey into the unknown.

Tickets via iw.observer/robinson-crusoe or call 07599 954862.

Frozen Jnr comes to East Cowes Town Hall, courtesy of TheatreTrain, on January 31 and February 1. Do you want to build a snowman? Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and the whole cast as they take you on a journey of love, courage, and icy magic in this spectacular musical adventure!

Expect snow, sparkle, and plenty of “Let It Go” moments — it’s a show the whole family will love! Tickets are available from iw.observer/frozen-jnr.

And finally, Curtain Call Creative are staging Matilda Jnr on the same dates at Trinity

Theatre in Cowes. Perfect for the whole family, this clever, funny, and heart-warming show is the ideal way to make memories together in the New Year. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda Jnr is a joyous girl power romp and a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination. Matilda is the story of a girl who dreams of a better life and will have audiences rooting for the ‘revolting children’, who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Tickets from Curtain Call Creative.

And that’s it for January – see you next month!