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Shanklin Theatre

Shanklin Theatre

Shanklin Theatre
4.5
About
Shanklin Theatre is an all year round 615 seat venue providing top entertainment for all tastes. There are regular shows with household names from Comedy and Music, and for 2022 we are hosting professional touring plays featuring familiar TV faces. Over the Christmas period we present our annual traditional Pantomime. During the summer season, we are always proud to host our ever popular summer stage show “Beyond the West End”. This professional production is performed by Spotlight (IOW) Ltd, an Island-based company who have been providing top quality professional entertainment for the last nineteen years, the Best of the West End show runs from May through to the October 2022. Here is just a small selection of the varied shows and artists coming to Shanklin Theatre in the very near future: Dom Joly, Reginald D Hunter, Al Murray, Alistair McGowan, Collabro, Henning Wehn, Showaddywaddy, Jason Manford, Albert Lee, Marti Pellow, Leo Sayer, Pam Aryes, The Story of the Guitar Heroes.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • expatone
    Freshwater, United Kingdom70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great venue
    I have been a regular visitor at our great voluntary run theatre for a long time. It’s is a true gem on the Isle of Wight and there are many varied and great shows put on throughout the year. Many shows are sell out as quality acts are the norm here. Very fortunate having this fine old theatre rejuvenated by enthusiastic friendly people.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 4, 2023
  • Freedom40837504846
    Thornton Cleveleys, United Kingdom1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So enjoyable
    We went to see Beyond the West End and what an amazing show it was. It was the last night but Spotlight IOW are doing a pantomime this year, I'm sure it will be just amazing as well. Theatre is very clean, we had a good view and staff were so helpful
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 12, 2023
  • David R
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice Theatre and Great Show.
    We saw The Simon and Garfunkel Story. We were staying at Ryde and drove to Shanklin. There was plenty of parking nearby and we had a decent meal at Benjamins Bar and Bistro a short walk from the Theatre. Although Shanklin Theatre is an older building (& all the more interesting for it), the seats were well laid out, clean, in good condition, comfortable and big enough with plenty of legroom for my 18 stone 6` 5". Sight lines were good and the show was much enjoyed by the whole audience. We had pre ordered drinks for the interval, so no queuing.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 31, 2024
  • Pat
    58 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another great evening. Thank you!
    Another great evening with The Zoots. Such a talented, fun band! We always visit this theatre when visiting the Island, The staff are lovely, very friendly. There is so much legroom, unlike so many theatres. It ticks all the boxes for us!
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 1, 2024
  • Melanie C
    Chingford, United Kingdom2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great show, great theatre, great staff.
    Brilliant show "Lionel - the Tribute". All volunteer staff were friendly and helpful (I arrived late, and they served me a drink just before the show started - even though the bar was officially closed). Nobody told I couldn't dance in the aisle (unlike at the London Palladium - where staff were positively snotty).
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written April 4, 2024
  • Gardengel-IoW
    West Sussex, United Kingdom1,014 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another great show at this lovely old theatre.
    We used to live on the Island but having moved away we came back to visit friends and deliberately tied our trip in with a show by this troupe as we knew from previous shows it would be worth it. Show – Me and My Girl by the Savoyards Many volunteers keep this place going, keep up the good work. Bar in basement.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 25, 2024
  • paul d
    Bath, United Kingdom978 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great show,fantastic theatre
    Went here last night to watch beyond the westend. What a fantastic show lot's of songs and a must say a fantastic cast. Even had us dancing. The staff are amazing very friendly and engaging. This is a great place to watch a show. If you're on holiday then I would recommend giving this theatre a go
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 17, 2024
  • christine b
    Ryde, United Kingdom62 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Shanklin Th3atrexand Beyond tge WestcEnd.
    ShanklinTheatre may put on good shows. Not Beyond the West End which was bad but maybe others are good. They do not care about their customers. Once they have your money, they dont care. There is a car park but its for staff use only. Disabled visitors are not considered at all. They even reduce parking places to allow for holiday makers in coaches. I am told coach passengers get discounted tickets. Clearly all the theatre value are the coaches. Locals who pay full price are of no value at all. Beyond the west end is a very bad show so, if you are a local, don't bother trying to park, its not worth the bother.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 22, 2024
  • Ruth P
    Walsall, United Kingdom10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    JUST A BRILLIANT NIGHT
    I went to see beyond the west end .All I can say What a terrific production it was the actors were very talented in their acting.dancing.singing. The atmosphere ws brilliant. Wish I could see this show again.in this beautiful threater.but I was on holiday .I would 100% recommend this theatre and show to everyone .
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles738 reviews
Excellent
572
Very good
136
Average
18
Poor
5
Terrible
7

Alison K
Sandown, UK8 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
Be very careful when you book tickets for Shanklin Theatre and ensure that you don't have Covid in advance!!!

We had tickets for "Calling Planet Earth" on Friday 26th August. I was unwell and unable to attend. Upon calling the Box Office after the event, I was told that there will be no refund or even the option to transfer the tickets to another show!

I am extremely disappointed and now nearly £50 out-of-pocket.
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BC63116
England, UK123 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
Visited on Thursday 16th Sep to see the "Beyond The West End" show. It was roughly a 2 x 45 minute performance with a 15 minute break. The performers in the show are all brilliant singers and dancers. They have clearly rehearsed to the Nth degree as the professionalism is there for all to see. It is highly entertaining and very slick. There are solo and ensemble slots and the cast are ably backed up by a superb 3 piece backing band. The sound and lights are amazing which all adds to the ambience. I would highly recommend this show for a very enjoyable night out.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tinkerbabe89
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Friends
Went to watch Beyond the West End for the second time last night. Its such a fantastic show. A great laugh and a joy for all to see. The talent that is showcased is absolutely amazing. You can clearly tell that alot of time and effort has been put into making this show as amazing as it is. Absolutely cannot wait to watch this show again and any future shows/performances that they put on
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

fork_handles
Luton, UK2,104 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Friends
Shanklin Theatre is run by a group of volunteers and is an excellent little place built in traditional style and with a true seaside heritage, one of only a handful of performance venues left on the Island. We saw the Island Savoyards perform ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ here which was an excellent production made all the better by two of our good friends playing in the pit orchestra for the performance. The performance was pretty much a sell out so it was great to be back in a busy theatre again. The front of house staff were all great and the theatre is in a good condition, with comfortable seats and good leg room.

The only slightly odd thing I thought was that the theatre bar sold quite a number of drinks, including soft drinks in glass bottles, despite there being prominent notices at the entrance doors that glass bottles should not be taken into the auditorium! You would think that for coke, lemonade etc they would sell these in cans, or from the fountain, as those drinks are commonly available in that form.

Overall a great visit and we would definitely return.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jevon K
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Family
I watched ‘Spotlight presents’ Beauty & the Beast pantomime New Years Day ‘22 with my family and the production was ASOLUTELY AMAZING!! I can’t remember when I’ve been entertained so much for 2 hours. The cast and crew deserve much credit, lots of talent and a fresh take on an old story. I would imagine pulling this together can’t have been easy with all the challenges of the pandemic also. Lots of humour balanced well for adults and kids. Honestly cannot praise this enough!!
Shanklin Theatre itself as good facilities and good value for money.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

december10
Barnsley, UK68 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
Went here on a trip from Shanklin hotel. The show, Beyond The West End, was brilliant. The cast were professional and worked very hard they never stopped for 2 hours. There were only 10 in the cast but it was excellent. Can certainly recommend you go. The theatre is old and quaint
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katy G
Sheffield, UK76 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Great little theatre. Went to watch Beyond the west end last August. We were pleasantly surprised by a very professional cast and so impressed that we went back at New Year for the pantomime and have booked tickets again for this years Beyond the west end show.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hazel T
Ryde, UK4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
Friendly, staff, 2nd show we have seen here, both were excellent. Tonight was Beyond the West End and we came out feeling thoroughly entertained. Not the usual show songs but a great mix of music, humour and dance. As we left all I could hear was praise for the performance. Well done.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

christine b
Ryde, UK62 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
ShanklinTheatre may put on good shows. Not Beyond the West End which was bad but maybe others are good. They do not care about their customers. Once they have your money, they dont care. There is a car park but its for staff use only. Disabled visitors are not considered at all. They even reduce parking places to allow for holiday makers in coaches. I am told coach passengers get discounted tickets. Clearly all the theatre value are the coaches. Locals who pay full price are of no value at all. Beyond the west end is a very bad show so, if you are a local, don't bother trying to park, its not worth the bother.
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Georgia A
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Couples
We visited Shanklin Theatre for the first time this summer holiday on the Isle of Wight. We watched Beyond the West End which is currently showing every Thursday evening. The show was fab with a great entertaining cast. We will be booking to visit the theatre again in the future.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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