Ventnor Blog

Another event connected to Quay Arts this Saturday is a theatre performance of Aleksei Arbuzov’s Old World.

According to the promotional blurb, Old World promises a heart-warming, poignant performance with a pleasant balance of wit and charm brought to life by some of the finest, talented cast and crew in the country.

It’s a delightfully observed and touching story which reminds us that it’s never too late to find someone to grow old with. A story of hope and compassion which will appeal to audiences of all ages and tastes.

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If you’re looking for something a bit more cultured than going down the pub on Saturday night, there are still some seats available for Threadbare Greebo at Quay Arts.

Apparently, this latest play to hit Quay Arts was inspired by the factual accounts of vulnerable young people, and the playwright’s own experience of growing up with the stigma of mental illness.

The result is a raw and compelling piece of new writing, which is complemented by a completely original soundtrack of experimental music and multimedia projections filmed on location in East London.
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The Quay Arts Theatre season kicks off this Thursday with The Cow Play, a dark comedy with a provocative performance about the transformation of a woman into a cow!

If you thought it sounded interesting and was planning to go along, you’re in for a treat. Quay Arts are so keen to promote the new writing and develop their audience that they’ve decided to offer this production free of charge.

The play has had great reviews and looks like it could be a super free night out.

All you have to do if turn up, choose a seat in the Anthony Minghella Theatre and sit back an enjoy. There will be a box for donations at the end of the performance if you would like to show your appreciation, but it is stressed that there is no obligation to part with your cash.

Coming up near the end of the month there’ll be a chance to take part and enjoy a new literary festival on the Isle of Wight.

The idea is to bring together a season of events to celebrate, encourage and involve writers of all kinds, ages and backgrounds at a range of Island venues.

There’ll be all sorts of events happening over the three weeks between 24th September and 15th October, including, book launches, performance poetry, theatre, musicals, storytelling, song writing and short films with a literary theme will be presented by local and mainland artists over the festival period.
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If you haven’t been to the theatre recently, how about giving Quay Arts’ latest a go?

The Cow Play, is described as being a dark comedy with a provocative performance about the transformation of a woman into a cow!

Here’s what others have to say about it ….

Refreshing… An unnerving and mature understanding of adult relationships…
Caroline Raphael - Commissioner Drama & Entertainment, BBC Radio 4

Heartbreaking
David James - Chair of the Writer’s Guild
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Today sees the final performance of Ventnor Theatre Group’s hugely successful, We Will Rock You.

If you haven’t been to see the show yet, I’d urge you to give up a couple of hours of sunshine this afternoon and get down to the Winter Gardens for the 2.30pm start.

There are so many people to praise in this wonderful production, but it’s got to be said first of all, that Sunny Brown’s Scaramouch is incredible.
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Don’t forget that tonight is the penultimate performance of the fabulous We Will Rock You show at the Ventnor Winter Gardens.

There is no show on Saturday and the final performance will be on Sunday at 2.30pm.

Get your tickets now by calling the box office on 857581. Don’t miss out.

If you went along to see the excellent production, In The Spotlight, over the summer by the Ventnor Theatre Group and felt inspired to get involved in the next one, put this date in your diary.

For auditions will be taking place for the Chrhistmas pantomime Peter Pan, on Sunday 9th September at the Winter Gardens from 11am.

There are many parts for adults and teens that require singing and reading at the audition.

As well as a few parts for older children and the junior and senior chorus.

The Peter Pan of Pop won’t be taking part, but you could, so if you fancy something different in the evenings running up to Christmas, why not have a go.

The rehearsal nights will be Mondays and Thursdays. Dates for the show are expected to be 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th December but this is subject to change. Natch, we’ll keep you posted.

Don’t forget that tonight is the opening night for We Will Rock You at The Ventnor Winter Gardens.

Having spoken to the those working behind the scenes at yesterday’s dress rehearsal, it sounds like it’s going to be an amazing show.

“The story takes place in a tongue-in-cheek dystopian future where originality and individuality are shunned, and a lone “Dreamer” appears who can fulfil a prophecy that will enable the return of rock ‘n roll.”

Pulled together by husband and wife team, Chris and Jeanie Brown, who brought you the hugely successful Les Miserable last year, this production is sure to raise huge interest from around the Island.

We hear that tickets for the Friday night performance are almost sold out, with other nights selling fast.

The production runs every night (7.30) until Friday, nothing on Saturday and a matinee (2.30) on Sunday.

Tickets are available from the Winter Gardens box office on 857581

In case you didn’t realise, tonight is the last chance to see the brilliant performance of Ventnor Theatre Group’s In The Spotlight.

Here are some of the rave comments left on the blog about the performance ….
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When I received a press release last week from the Council with the title “Summer Of Fun At Island’s Theatres “, I thought, “Brilliant, extra publicity for the Winter Gardens”.

I started reading the press release and it highlights several shows at Medina Theatre, The Venue and Shanklin Theatre. I kept scanning back over it to check that I hadn’t skipped a paragraph, because nowhere to be seen were details of the performances of “In the Spotlight” or “We Will Rock You” at The Ventnor Winter Gardens.

I am sure that this must be just an oversight and another press release will be going out to all publications this week highlighting the wonderful shows we have on in Ventnor over the summer.

[image courtesy of Isle of Wight Historic postcards]

Chris and Jeanie have been at it again and in about three weeks time, you’ll be able to see the fruits of their (and the casts) hard labour.

Auditions took place earlier in the year and the rehearsals have been happening over the last few weeks. You will’ve seen the posters splashed around the Island and I am of course talking about the much anticipated Ventnor Youth Theatre’s production of We Will Rock You.

Chris tells us that they were very lucky to get hold of the last license to put on the schools version of the show in the UK. This is because the producers have decided to extend the West End performance for another season.

Anyway, if you haven’t seen it in the West End, now is your chance. It sounds like a great story and with the music of Queen throughout, you won’t want to break free until the very end (sorry).
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Josie da Bank has been up to her old tricks again, cooking up more delectable designs to breathe magical life into all corners of Bestival land this September.

This year, the surrealism starts off at a bar in down town Da Da Land.

Continental Drifts, the UK’s largest purveyor of festival weirdness will be making sure that during the day there you’ll have plenty to do in Da Da Land.

Picture yourselves rocking, rolling and jiving your way through the day, whilst picking up skills from some of the hilarious workshops. Apparently they’ll have everything, from nipple tassles to the latest gypsy dance moves.

But as we know life changes in the evening at Bestival and this arena will be no exception.
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Well done to all the students at Medina High School who gained special awards at a recent ceremony, but special congratulations to Ventnor lad, Jack Whitewood who was awarded the Jenny Nettleton Rose Bowl for passion and excellence in the performing arts.

Jack has many accolades to his name, but you might remember I wrote about him back in April, after seeing his play The Bench In The Park.
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Don’t forget that if you haven’t seen the wonderful production by Ventnor Theatre Group, In The Spotlight, there’s another chance tonight.

The show starts at 7.30pm and you can buy tickets on the door. Drinks can be bought in the main hall, and with the new layout of tables and chairs, you won’t need to rest it on your lap for the duration of the show.

Tickets are a fiver, for young or old. It’s a great show and well worth popping along to. There’s an interval of 20 minutes in the middle and finishes around 10.15pm. Ventnor Winter Gardens.

Last night I took my little’un down to the Winter Gardens for a night out (don’t tell her teacher).

And what a treat we had! In The Spotlight is the current production from the Ventnor Theatre Group and they certainly know how to put on a fantastic show.

I have to be honest from the start, I really don’t like musicals. In a past life (back in my mainland days) I shared a house with a bunch of actors, so had to endure their renditions of west end musicals whilst they did the housework (which wasn’t very often), showered, cooked, in fact just about all the time, so for me to come away from nearly three hours of songs from musicals saying it’s a great show - take my word, it really must be.
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I thought it was worth summarising the live meeting notes from last nights meeting.

The Vote - 8 vote for both Theatres pursuing Option C. Carried unanimously.

Option C for both theatres was to keep them open for 2 years, and “Prepare development options and take to the market.”

Details of all of the terms of Option C are in the minutes.

Thoughts
It’s clear that there was a lot of passion in the hall for both venues and a strong feeling that these venues are vital for the future of the Island.

A point made many times was that the Council should be supporting creative outlets like this, despite of them not being self supporting.

People went away from the meeting appeased, but still not 100% certain that, two years hence, the threat of closure wouldn’t be hanging over these venues again.

It’s not completely clear what the phrase used, “Prepare development options and take to the market,” practically means.

The general consensus was that the council had just put off the decision, or were taking an opportunity to get their arguments for closure or sell off better organised for next time.

It wasn’t fully understood what “commercial avenues” would be pursued during the two years - some feared that this actually meant it would involve finding property developers to take over the venues.

The outcome could have been a lot worse and it’s good news that the venues remain open for two more years.

For me this is another illustration of the something that we’ve written about before. Politicians respond to the number of people that are actively supporting or opposing an issue.

If people turn up at meetings, it’s far more likely that is vote will go in favour of the people who have attended.

Live at the Village Hall in Bembridge

Great turn out from the pubic. The hall is totally full, barely standing room only.

__Question from the public on the floor
Q:How long did the investigation take? No staff met the reviewer at Shanklin Theatre. It’s understood that both sites were visited in one afternoon. How can it have been thorough.
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It has been many a year since an evening show has been run throughout the summer season at The Winter Gardens, but this year will be different.

In The Spotlight is the latest production from the Ventnor Theatre Group. You’ll recognise the name from previous plugs on the Blog and posters around town. It’s first and very successful run was at the beginning of June and after receiving such glowing reviews, they’ve been asked back again to continue the show throughout the July and August.

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It’s had sell out seasons in London and New York, and now it’s coming to the Isle of Wight. Whoever said we’re a cultural backwater?

Under Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins’ direction, Bob Kingdom gives an electrifying performance in this heartfelt portrayal of poet and author, Dylan Thomas.

“This production offers an appreciation of the beauty, humour, passion and wit of Thomas’ words and melds together the audience and performer in this critically acclaimed piece, heralded worldwide as a ‘lyrical tour de force’.”

What the Papers say:
“I could have listened to his spell-binding, word wizardry for hours”
THE TIMES
“A thrilling lyrical journey”
THE GUARDIAN
“Not simply playing Thomas, or imitating Thomas, but being Thomas.”
NEW YORK POST

Performance Dates/Times: Tue 3 & Wed 4 July 8pm (Doors 7pm)
Location: Anthony Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts
Ticket Price: £10 / £9
Box Office 01983 822490

Please don’t forget that tonight is the opening night of the latest production by the Ventnor Theatre Group, ‘In the Spotlight’.

The group of over 70 performers of all ages, will be delivering songs from the West End and Broadway including Chicago (sizzling!), Jesus Christ Superstar (magical!), The Sound of Music (classy) Mamma Mia (for all you closet Abba lovers), Oklahoma (yee haa!) and many more, yes there really is something for everyone! So bring the children, grandparents, your visitors, neighbours and friends, and enjoy a wonderful night’s (or afternoon’s) family entertainment together.

Performances start tonight at 7.30pm, there are two tomorrow (Saturday 2nd) at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and then Sunday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children. You can get your tickets from the box office inside the Winter Gardens Bar or by calling the box office on 01983 857581. Tickets can also be purchased on the door, assuming it hasn’t sold out.

This is amatuer theatre at it’s very best. Please show your support for this local group.

Meetings of The Ventnor Theatre Group have been a hive of activity over the past few months. They’ve been busy getting ready for a bumper season of shows to be held at the Ventnor Winter Gardens over the coming three months.

With a wide range of ages taking part (some as young as three and a half), expect to be wowed by their performances of some of the hits from the West End and Broadway.

Opening night will be on 1 June with a choice of evening performance (7.30pm) on the Friday, matinée (2.30pm) and evening performance for the Saturday or an evening performance for the Sunday.

Tickets are priced at £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for the nippers.

But if you miss those performances, worry not, for the hard working crew will be returning to the gardens on 12, 19, 26 June then 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 July and finishing during August on the 7, 14, 21 and 28th (all evening performances).

Go along and support the Theatre Group and our local venue.

[image courtesy of BlogWayBaby]

Arriving on the Island via the Edinburgh and Toronto Fringe Festivals this fabulous farce by a promising Isle of Wight playwright, Charlotte Barton-Hoare, has been hailed as ‘insanity at its best’ and was winner of the Sheila Kerlogue Memorial Cup for Best Script in 2005.

Creena, a counsellor and homicidal maniac, is best described as a cross between a character out of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Cruella de Ville, complete with terrifying make-up and knee-length leather boots. She is out to avenge her sister’s death, killing off patients along the way – think The League of Gentlemen meets Ab Fab!

For a truly entertaining and surreal experience don’t miss this exciting live performance at the Quay! Suitable for over 16’s only

Audience & press comments include, ‘Surreal with a humorous twist’ BBC; ‘Congratulations… This a world-class, innovative creation… A must-see… Creena will go places… Thanks for the fantastic time!’; ‘I was in pain from laughing so hard, seriously. This is bizarre and brilliant to say the least, this guys are unique! You’ll be drawn into this crazy world and leave wanting more. Long live Creena DeFoouie!’

Location: Anthony Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts
Ticket Price: £7 / £6
Box Office 01983 822490

I will get around to adding these to the event diary over the next week or so, but in the meantime, have a gander through this list to see if there is anything you fancy so you can stick it in the diary.

10-11 May Macnaughton Howe - Arts & Crafts Festival
Entry schedules from 01983 853843
Open Thursday 10th May 1- 6pm, Friday 10- 5pm

20-24 May International Conference –
Landslides and Climate Change - Challenges & Solutions - see the website

25 May Beverley Craven in Concert
Back on tour, this beautiful woman singing beautiful songs 7.30 for 8pm
Tickets £14.50 or £12,50 in advance

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Don’t forget that 16 year old, ventnor lad Jack Whitewood’s play finishes at Medina Theatre tonight,

Jack and the team have received rave reviews from the first night ….

The production was absolutely fabulous and anyone who is looking for a night out tonight (Friday) should definitely go along. Jack’s writing and directing skills are outstanding and the cast and backstage team are brilliant.

So why not go along and treat yourself to a night out at Medina. Show your support for kids who have made an effort to do something creative, positive and productive with their time.