It’s March – and spring is nearly here! Celebrate with one of these great shows…

Go along to the Isle of Wight College, on March 19 or 20, to see ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical’, adapted from the well-known novels. When 16-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined. The future of the world hangs in the balance, as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. Adapted from Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel, with an electrifying rock score by Rob Rokicki, this is the perfect adventure for gods and mortals alike. Visit iw.observer/lightening-thief.

Following on from the sell-out run of ‘West Side Story’, Ryde School stages ‘The Crucible’. Arthur Miller’s classic parable of mass hysteria draws a chilling parallel between the Salem witch-hunt of 1692 and 1950’s McCarthyism. The story of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice, is a savage attack on the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations. ‘The Crucible’ will be staged on Thursday, March 27 and Friday, March 28 at the Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre, Ryde School. Visit iw.observer/the-crucible to book.

There are even more fantastic shows coming up in April – look out for the next column to find out about them!