The decorations are down, the kids are back to school and you’re left thinking: did Christmas really happen?

But as we break open the fresh fizz of 2024, here on the Island there’s so much fantastic entertainment to cast away our New Year blues.

Star of Channel Four’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Jason Fox, brings his conversational tour to Shanklin Theatre on Saturday, February 3, recounting his experiences of being an elite operator in the special forces.

As a disabled person, I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to be under fire from an approaching, unpredictable enemy or being that physically capable and it’s something that truly fascinates me, so I’ll be sure to purchase a ticket.

Just three weeks later on Sunday, February 25, I shall be returning to Shanklin Theatre for David Suchet: Poirot And More as one of the icons of British television drama takes to the stage to celebrate his remarkable career.

In the era where anyone can become a star, there remains a certain charm to Suchet’s work which has a level of universality that has become extremely rare.

Having been running my podcast Beyond the Title for over eight years, I’ve been fortunate to interview many actors; some of whom have struggled to differentiate their true identity from the characters who they portray.

For this group, the idea of sitting on a stage for an hour as themselves speaking about their life and career would be enough to freeze them to the spot.

Yet Suchet’s style and grace makes him the perfect candidate to conquer this kind of one man show. 

If music is more your thing then Medina Theatre has some top quality tribute shows.

The outstanding Katie Markham reprises her role as Grammy Award winning musical superstar Adele on Friday, February 2.

For me, these shows are the perfect night out if you want a good singalong and to come home with a smile on your face.

As a disabled spectator, the wheelchair area at Medina Theatre would benefit greatly from modernising, especially finding a way of viewing shows in another way than through a piece of Perspex or feeling like I’m segregated from the buzz of the audience. 

If you don’t wish to brave the elements, there are entertainment opportunities open without you even leaving your home. Each Friday in February, I shall be releasing a special edition of my podcast Beyond The Title celebrating the significant contribution of women in entertainment featuring contributions from Dame Sheila Hancock and Dame Maureen Lipman amongst other formidable pioneers of showbiz.

So, lots to look forward to this year, proving that 2024 will be one to remember!