FOR 13 years, Spotlight IOW has put on a summer variety show at Shanklin Theatre.

It's always been a favourite for holidaymakers, with coaches lining up outside every Thursday and ensuring a packed house.

This year, the team has excelled themselves by not resting on their laurels and simply expecting their winning formula to just work like magic.

They've massively upped their game, thrown in some curveballs, quickened the pace and produced something quite spectacular!

Beyond the West End was a rip-roaring whizz through all the stages of life, from school days (Matilda the Musical) onwards through adolescence, adulthood and to the autumn of life.

Right from the off, the costumes, choreography, humour, acting, and singing were all such high quality, and the cast weaved themselves round a live on-stage band.

As well as the whole-cast action there were some stand out solos thanks to the talents of Rowan Lathey, singing an incredibly powerful version of Anyone Who Had a Heart, Polly MacGregor, with a touching rendition of Slipping Through My Fingers, and Ashleigh Mackness, lending her beautiful voice to Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Without giving too much away, this year's show offered up plenty of humour (If I Were Not Upon the Stage), nostalgia (TV classics), and a stupendous performance by Charles Johnson to look out for (One Night Only).

With strong performances all round, it seems incredible there were only ten cast members on stage — perfectly managing the different routines and costume changes.

If you are looking to support talented local professionals and the lovely venue that is Shanklin Theatre, go treat yourself to a Thursday night out.