By Maureen Sullivan
The final theatre column of the year – and there’s lots to cover before New Year’s Eve!
The Isle of Wight College performing arts students present two shows: ‘DNA’, on December 1, and ‘The Winter Variety Show’, on December 3 and 4, at the college. Tickets available via iw.observer/iw-college-shows.
The Panto Players stage ‘Rapunzel’, at the IW Community Club, Cowes, on 4th, 5th and 6th. A hilarious and heart-warming retelling of the classic fairy tale. Tickets: IW Community Club, 01983 292238, or email info@IWCC.com.
The Niton Playbox present ‘Manners & Masquerade ~ A Regency Romance on the Isle of Wight’. Performances are on December 5 to 7 at Niton Village Hall. Tickets from Niton Post Office or iw.observer/the-niton-playbox.
Trinity Theatre’s pantomime, ‘Sinbad Saves the Day’, continues its run from December 5 to 7. Go along and enjoy a festive family treat – tickets from iw.observer/sinbad.
The variety show, ‘Step Into Christmas’, will be performed by TheatreTrain’s younger students at Lift Ryde on the 7th. Contact TheatreTrain for tickets.
The Apollo Players stage ‘Iron’, from December 5-13 at 7.30pm, at the Apollo Theatre. Josie visits her mother, Fay, in jail for the first time, to uncover the past. Tickets: iw.observer/apollo or call 210010.
Lift Ryde present the musical ‘Matilda’ on December 9 and 10. The story of an extraordinary little girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Contact Ryde Academy for tickets.
Celebrating their 50th anniversary year, this year’s panto from The New Strolling Players is ‘The Snow Queen’ at Freshwater Memorial Hall, from December 11 to 14 . Tickets from Orchard Bros, Freshwater Bay, Topknot & Tails in Freshwater, or iw.observer/new-strolling-players.
Get On Stage presents ‘Scrooge: A Ghost of a Chance’ on December 12 and 13 at 2.30pm, at Trinity Theatre. The first half is five short Christmas plays and the second ‘Scrooge’. Tickets via iw.observer/get-on-stage.
GASP entertain us with their fourth festive annual Carols and Mince Pies, on December 14. Tickets from iw.observer/gasp or 07761 460925.
Finally, Amy White Theatre stages the beloved panto ‘Cinderella’ at East Cowes Town Hall on December 13 and 14. Will Cinderella make it to the royal ball? Tickets from iw.observer/amy-white-theatre.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – see you in 2026!
Isle of Wight Observer