Shanklin Theatre
Shanklin Theatre
4.7
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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4.7
736 reviews
Excellent
570
Very good
136
Average
18
Poor
5
Terrible
7
cathyej
Isle of Wight, UK54 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
We have visited a few times now for a variety of shows - our grown-up children love it here too when they come over to visit. The volunteer staff are a lovely group of folk and can't do enough to help you - ditto the Booking staff.
Obviously the theatre is old but we feel this adds to the atmosphere/ambience of the place. We park in the main car park in Shanklin which is a short walk down the road, we've noticed a lot of people use the local bus service to come along which we would definitely try if we lived closer. There's a good collection of places to eat around the theatre if you want to make an evening of it - some give a discount if you mention you are visiting the theatre that day.
We had one bad experience here when someone filmed the whole show right in our eye-line which ruined it for us - however, I contacted the theatre to discuss and was reasonably listened and apologised to. We will certainly continue to come and support this theatre as it's well worth the money and usually a cracking evening out!
Obviously the theatre is old but we feel this adds to the atmosphere/ambience of the place. We park in the main car park in Shanklin which is a short walk down the road, we've noticed a lot of people use the local bus service to come along which we would definitely try if we lived closer. There's a good collection of places to eat around the theatre if you want to make an evening of it - some give a discount if you mention you are visiting the theatre that day.
We had one bad experience here when someone filmed the whole show right in our eye-line which ruined it for us - however, I contacted the theatre to discuss and was reasonably listened and apologised to. We will certainly continue to come and support this theatre as it's well worth the money and usually a cracking evening out!
Written 13 February 2025
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
June 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 22 June 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.
paul d
Bath, UK1,002 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
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
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
Written 17 May 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.
Gardengel-IoW
West Sussex, UK1,009 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
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.
Show – Me and My Girl by the Savoyards
Many volunteers keep this place going, keep up the good work.
Bar in basement.
Written 25 April 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.
mablain
London157 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
This fascinating building has been many things but is currently a lively and active theatre with a constant run of shows ...varying from serious drama to musicals and a range of music including tribute acts as well as traditional artists doing the rounds.
We wandered past and saw the poster for “Grease”, snapping up the last few tickets. A great show with a fantastic atmosphere, put on by what I believe is a local semi-professional Island-based drama school. This cast of young people would not have been out of place in a professional provincial theatre.
Well done for keeping theatre alive in low season – this has to be one of Shanklin’s success stories.
We wandered past and saw the poster for “Grease”, snapping up the last few tickets. A great show with a fantastic atmosphere, put on by what I believe is a local semi-professional Island-based drama school. This cast of young people would not have been out of place in a professional provincial theatre.
Well done for keeping theatre alive in low season – this has to be one of Shanklin’s success stories.
Written 21 February 2025
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.
Ruth P
Walsall, UK10 contributions
June 2024 • Solo
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 .
Written 28 June 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.
Melanie C
Chingford, UK2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
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).
Written 4 April 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.
Pat
58 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
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!
Written 1 April 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.
Alison K
Sandown, UK8 contributions
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.
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 1 September 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.
Keith n Elaine J
Lorca, Spain34 contributions
May 2022
This was musical theatre at it's best! A beautiful building and wonderful performers. 'Beyond The West End' was so engaging and the players and band were outstanding. Can't recommend this show highly enough - if you're having a cheeky break on the island, try and keep the Thursday evening free and book for this weekly show - an absolute treat. Hey, and we're not really theatre go-ers! Such a nice addition to our short break on IOW.
Written 23 May 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.
Where is it best to park when visiting the theatre?
Written 9 August 2018
Hello, Vernon Cottage car park, Orchardleigh car park or any on-street parking if available. Please note, there is no parking facilities at the theatre. We hope this helps.
Written 9 August 2018
Where can I see a seating plan of the theatre please
Written 5 February 2017
Hello, thank you for your question, please visit the Theatre's website, select the show of your choice from the 'Whats On' tab, click on the show and then on the 'Showings, select a date' box (to the right), the seating plan is revealed to allow you to book your selected seats, seats shown in 'red' are available to book. Hope this helps, regards, Michael for Shanklin Theatre.
Written 6 February 2017
Where can I see a seating plan of the theatre please
Written 5 February 2017
Go to Shanklin Theatre website, pick the show you are interested in and the seating plan will come up showing sold and available seats. Suggest you avoid the end two or so seats in the balcony in second and third row slightly restricted view. Row F in stalls is very popular as it has extra leg room, is close to the ctage but not too close. The balcony is tiered but stalls are not. But most seats are pretty good as it is only about 600 seat capacity. If coming by car arrive early as there is very limited parking close to theatre and car parks can get pretty full in season and for popular shows. But it is a great little theatre and am sure you will enjoy visiting.
Written 7 February 2017
I can't find a list of what shows or artist appearing at the Theatre anywhere on the web-site. We are coming over this week and hope there is something to see at the Theatre.
Barry Andrews
Written 9 May 2016
Type in to google shanklin theare isle of wight, then click shanklin theatre, after that click there "whats on" tab at the top.
Or you could ring them on 01983 868000
Written 10 May 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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