Latest news with #ShanklinTheatre
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why Island theatre closures are a leadership failure
There's a lot in the news right now about Ventnor Winter Gardens — and rightly so. The anger and dismay over the state of that iconic 1930s building is loud and growing. It mirrors the public outcry we've seen around Ryde Theatre in recent years: beautiful, significant spaces in the heart of our communities falling into disrepair, with only the bare minimum being done to keep them standing. A couple of sticking plasters here and there, but no real effort to encourage — or require — their current owners to do anything meaningful with them. But not every theatre was lost to the same fate. Back in 2013, when the council was offloading its cultural assets in a short-sighted cost-cutting drive, Shanklin Theatre was handed not to a private landlord, but to a community group. That decision changed everything. An awesome team of community champions stepped up — people who cared deeply about the space and wanted it to thrive. With a phenomenal team of volunteers and smart, audience-focused programming, they've created a jam-packed schedule that fills the theatre's 615 seats most nights of the week. Back in 2010, the council saw these venues as financial drains. But it wasn't the buildings that were the problem — it was how they were being used. With better programming, more ambitious thinking, and broader access for community groups, these spaces could have been assets rather than burdens. Now, instead of lively theatres, we're left with empty eyesores the council can't do anything about. It was a colossal mistake — and one with a lesson we still need to learn. We're right to point the finger at neglectful landlords when our historic theatres crumble — but let's not forget who sold them off in the first place. The Isle of Wight Council's role in the long-term loss of venues like Ryde Theatre is a chapter worth re-reading. And speaking of Ryde Theatre: remember that election banner with council leader Phil Jordan's face draped across the front, as if he was the man to save it? Well, he's had a bonus year in power — is he going to use it to finally sort this problem out? Ryde Town Council washed their hands of it. A trust was formed. Another group appeared. But that's just led to background squabbling between factions, while no one seems to be getting any closer to getting the keys. All the while, a grand building continues to crumble. A brilliant, community-led report by the Friends of Ryde Theatre laid out a clear, viable vision for the building's future. It was thoughtful, practical, and inspiring — but about as likely to happen as me growing wings and flying up the clock tower. The other group delivered a presentation on a flashy, London-style redevelopment, complete with promises of a 'well-known photographer' backing it. I'm sure most of us could come up with a dream wishlist for these incredible spaces, but without the keys, they're just that — dreams. This isn't just nostalgia or sentimentality. Theatres, when alive and well, deliver massive economic and social benefits. Audiences spend money — on food, drink, transport, babysitters — before and after a show. These spaces employ local people, offer training and creative opportunity, and give young talent a reason to stay on the Island. The knock-on effect is real, and measurable. But bringing them back isn't enough. Once open, these venues need to be programmed smartly. They should grow audiences, respond to local need, and play their part in the Island's cultural ecosystem — from fringe theatre and touring bands to community shows and education work. Just look at Strings in Newport — a powerhouse for local and touring music — or the way we throw on flower crowns and wellies and pack out the Festival every June. We've got the talent, the stories, the visitors, the community will. The demand is there. What's missing is space — and leadership with the guts and vision to bring these venues back into public hands, invest in them properly, and deliver a bold, ambitious programme we can all be proud of. Because a place without theatres is a place without a proper stage to tell its stories. And right now, far too many curtains are closed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
News, features and ticket giveaways in this week's County Press
This week's edition of the Isle of Wight County Press is out in shops tomorrow (Friday, May 2), and it's bursting with exclusive stories and reasons to buy! We have two competitions running in which you can win tickets to Island events - Osborne Proms and Legend - The Bob Marley Story at Shanklin Theatre. There are loads of picture spreads from community events and sports events, plus features, interviews, and exclusive stories. There's an eight-page puzzles pull-out plus our popular cryptic crossword. It's also time to choose your favourite gym for a chance for it to be named County Press Gym of the Year! Just some of the places our reporters have been to get stories since last Thursday: Magistrates' Court, Crown Court, Terry Ramplin's cheque presentation, Coastguard incident in Yarmouth, New Inn in Shalfleet, Four Lakes Retreat, Horsebridge Hill, Bistro in Ventnor, as well as here, there and everywhere to cover breaking news and to Wootton and Freshwater to interview people. Find the County Press in shops across the Island, or subscribe to to read the digital flip-through edition. The County Press is the biggest selling weekly newspaper in the country, and was shortlisted for the Best Local Weekly Newspaper award in the prestigious Newspaper Awards. Latest figures show the CP got 1.8 million page visits online during March, and 3.1 million page views, making us the Island's biggest news website.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Win tickets to see Legend – The Music of Bob Marley Live
When you think reggae, there is only one name that comes to mind. Legend - The Music of Bob Marley Live is an unforgettable evening of his greatest hits all in one stage show. Combining his distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, a talented live band recreate the timeless hits Could You Be Loved, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin', Is This Love, Buffalo Soldier, Get Up Stand Up, I Shot the Sheriff, One Love and many, many more reggae classics. The Isle of Wight County Press and Jack Up Events have teamed up to give away two pairs of tickets for this widely acclaimed show, which is taking place on Friday, May 16, at Shanklin Theatre. Fresh from a sell-out show at London's Adelphi Theatre, this tribute show showcases the magic of Marley, capturing the charisma and culture of an icon gone too soon. The irresistible presence of the late, great Bob Marley is invoked in the portrayal by the band, comprising of seven talented musicians and singers. The band has worked with reggae greats The Original Wailers, Musical Youth, Gregory Isaacs, Aswad, Dennis Brown, Rankin Roger, The Beat, Errol Dunkley to name but a few. Tickets are £29 including booking fee, available at or call the theatre box office on 868000. Or, to win one of two pairs of tickets to The Music of Bob Marley Live, simply look inside this week's County Press, out on Friday, May 2, and answer the question inside. It's a treat for our readers, not to be missed! Jack Up Events' T&Cs: This prize must be taken as offered, cannot be exchanged for a cash equivalent and is not transferable for use by anyone other than the prize winner or to any other show or event. The winner's name, plus one, will be allocated seats for the show by Shanklin Theatre with tickets available to collect from the box office on the night. Please bring a form of ID. No physical tickets will be sent out. Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult. CP's T&Cs can be found at
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Whitney Houston tribute concert coming to Island theatre
The Symphonix Orchestra is set to bring a Whitney Houston tribute to Shanklin Theatre. The concert, titled Symphonix Whitney, will take place in May. It will feature the Symphonix Orchestra, the Million Dollar Band, and Kieshia Chun as Whitney Houston. The event will showcase some of Whitney's iconic songs, along with a few surprise arrangements. Tickets are now available at As the first show of its kind in the UK, Symphonix Whitney is set to entertain audiences with Whitney Houston's timeless hits. The concert, which is expected to draw music lovers and Whitney Houston fans alike, will celebrate the legacy of one of the most recognisable voices in music history. Following the Shanklin Theatre debut, the show will tour around the UK. The concert will feature classics like I Will Always Love You, Greatest Love Of All, and One Moment In Time, among others. The event is set to create a unique atmosphere, blending the sounds of a full symphonic orchestra with the energy of live band performances.
