Ventnor Theatre Group, the local amateur theatre company who have been bringing productions to Isle of Wight stages for over 50 years, has celebrated their anniversary with a rebrand and an epic show to kick off 2024.

The group is now called Shoreline Productions, and they are delighted to be bringing The Phantom of the Opera to Shanklin Theatre next month.

Scroll down for a competition to win tickets...

The name was settled on as a nod to the heritage of the theatre group based along the ‘shoreline’ of Ventnor, while breaking away from any geographical ties.

They are among just a handful of theatre groups across the UK granted the licence for Phantom.

Isle of Wight County Press: Rehearsals underwayRehearsals underway (Image: Shoreline Productions)

Originally established as The Don Mills Variety Club in 1972, the group’s first production, Cinderella the pantomime, was staged in 1973 at St Lawrence Village Hall.

Since then, a multitude of productions have been staged, ranging from pantomimes and plays to full scale musicals.

More recently, under the name Ventnor Theatre Group, productions have included Legally Blonde, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Miserables.

The Phantom of the Opera will grace the stage from February 15 to 18.

The show is being brought to the stage by the talented production team that also brought audiences Jesus Christ Superstar in 2019.

Jeanie Brown as director, is supported by Tony Careless and Rosie Hayward in the musical director chairs, with dancer and choreographer Joel Morris adding his flair to the choreography.

Someone will win a pair of tickets to see Phantom of the Opera on the Isle of Wight

  • Complete this song title: "Music of the ?"
  • Email your answer to competition@iwcp.co.uk by midnight tonight (Wednesday, January 24)
  • Ts and Cs apply

This production showcases some of the Island’s most talented performers, with names such as Steve Jones, Ashleigh Mackness, Bertie Everson, Holly Gardiner, Rosie Sales and Megan West.

Prepare for a truly romantic tragedy that unfolds against the backdrop of one of the West End’s most unforgettable musical scores.

From Music of the Night to All I Ask of You, and, of course, the iconic Phantom of the Opera, these timeless songs are full of passion and emotion.

Tickets are selling fast and are nearly sold out, so book now to avoid disappointment.

The County Press has two tickets to give away to one lucky winner.