By Isle of Wight Observer
by Maureen Sullivan
Get ready for mystery, mayhem, and murder, when CAODS brings comedy thriller, Tiptoe Through the Tombstones, to Trinity Theatre from October 1-10. In the gloomy Tomb family mansion, relatives await their inheritance. When lawyer, Mortimer Crayle, arrives it becomes clear that there is more at stake than dividing up the family fortune. Tickets via iw.observer/caods, or by calling 295229.
TheatreTrain stages the school version of Les Miserables, on October 17-18, at Medina Theatre. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, this epic tale of love, sacrifice, hope, and redemption is set in 19th-century France. Featuring iconic songs, including I Dreamed a Dream, this edition captures all the passion, power, and emotion of the original. Tickets are available at iw.observer/les-mis.
GetOnStage present The Last School Show, on October 24-25 – perfect for half term – at Northwood Village Hall. Six youngsters discover that their drama teacher has left, throwing their future into doubt. This story of friendship, acceptance, and team-work, explores through humour, drama, and music how the arts give young people a voice, community, and confidence. Tickets at iw.observer/get-on-stage.
Another half-term treat is Apollo Youth Theatre’s The Jungle Book, at Apollo Theatre from October 23 to November 1, bringing to life the classic stories by Rudyard Kipling, focusing mainly on Mowgli, an orphaned ‘man-cub’ raised by wolves. The work uses animal fables to explore moral lessons, identity, and the delicate balance between civilisation and nature. You can buy tickets at iw.observer/jungle-book.
Curtain Up’s comedy drama, The Butler Did, comes to Freshwater Memorial Hall on October 31 and November 1. Anthony J. Lefcourt is rehearsing his new play. Desperate to stimulate his cast to their best, he has withheld the final scene, but his patience is worn thin by their petty jealousies and romantic rivalries. Contact curtainup.publicity@gmail.com for more information.
Jack and the Beanstalk brings an early start to panto season – Newchurch Drama Group perform it at Newchurch Village Hall, on October 31 and November 1. The kingdom is in thrall to Giant Plunder, and Dame Trott and her sons are forced to sell their family cow for a handful of beans.
Heroism and silliness abound! Tickets at iw.observer/newchurch-drama.