What’s On

now – 14.03.2021 STORY FROM STONE – THE STRANGERS OF BALLURE CHAPEL

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// In a secluded little spot beneath the slopes of Lhergy Frissell, is Ramsey’s ‘graveyard for strangers’ in the grounds of Ballure Chapel on the outskirts of Ramsey – the final resting place of over one thousand people. From the 18th century it became known as the ‘graveyard for strangers’, being predominantly used as burial place for people without Island connections or for unknown and unclaimed people.

This new exhibition is based on the book ‘Story from Stone’ by Kim Kneen and Vicky Lloyd-West which blends historical fact and creative fiction with original illustrations by Jo Davies – and it is lifesize interpretations of eleven of these illustrations which appear in the exhibition.

‘Story from Stone’ was published with support from Culture Vannin and is available in the Manx Museum shops, local bookshops and The Snug in Ramsey.

www.manxnationalheritage.co.im

06.03.2021 THE GREATEST VARIETY SHOW 3 – TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Back by popular demand following the sell-out shows in 2018 and 2019, the Young Ambassador of Hospice Isle of Man, Alexandra Slater has once again invited some of her very talented friends to join her in bringing to you the most spectacular evening of song and dance

Showcasing the Islands finest talent, the audience will be treated to breath-taking performances of song and dance covering all genres of music including songs from the musicals, films and legendary performers.

All proceeds will go to www.hospice.org.im

www.villagaiety.com

13.03 – 09.05.2021 KEVIN ATHERTON – THE WORKS

//MANX MUSEUM, DOUGLAS// Manx international artist Kevin Atherton returns to the Isle of Man with a retrospective exhibition at the Manx Museum. Covering a career that stretches into six decades and which has involved pioneering work in film, video, performance art, and public sculpture, the exhibition brings together Atherton’s significant achievements in these cutting edge fields into a building he has been familiar with since childhood.

Kevin says: “There were two places that saved me when I was a kid growing up in the Isle of Man, one was the Manx Museum that showed me where I came from and the other was the public library in Ridgeway Street which showed me who I could become. I regularly visited both buildings after school and remember engaging with fiction in one and art in the other.”

In association with Antonio Pasqualino Museo.

www.manxnationalheritage.im

13.03.2021 NORTHERN MEN IN SHEDS – SPRING OPEN DAY

//CUMBERLAND ROAD, RAMSEY// A wonderful display of goods for sale from bird feeders and boxes to flower planters, and environmentally friendly bug boxes and an opportunity to find out how you can get involved. Entry just £1 to include light refreshments at the Men in Sheds Northern HQ behind Ramsey Cottage Hospital. 10am – 3pm.

20.03 – 24.04.2021 ‘EYE’ - OPEN ART COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION

//HODGSON LOOM GALLERY, LAXEY// This annual art exhibition had to be postponed last year but has now been rescheduled with the theme of ‘Eye’. As always, Julie Ashby Smyth anticipates that the Island’s artists, whether professional, amateur, student or child, will interpret this theme literally, laterally and widely and the resulting exhibition promises to be very exciting. The competition is judged by a number of people with connections to the arts (as well as a public winner, chosen by visitors to the exhibition) and prizes will be awarded at a special event on 17 April.

25.03.2021 ISLE OF MAN SPORTS AWARDS

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// The 2020 Isle of Man Sports Awards will celebrate and recognise the fantastic sporting achievements of the Island’s sporting community from young and not-soyoung sportsmen and women, to veterans, with teams and coaches being recognised.

Upstairs seating for the general public available for just £3 – book now via www. villagaiety.com or the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal.

26.03.2021 MADE IN MAN – BAAD ACID

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Made In Mann is back at the Promenade Suite at the Villa Marina for 2021 with four new gigs from local bands, starting with the eclectic-electric-psychedelic-drone-pop three-piece that’s Baad Acid.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Over 16s only. Free to attend, numbers limited strictly to 250.

www.villagaiety.com

28.03.2021 IOMCS – BEETHOVEN’S CHORAL FANTASIA & ORFF’S CARMINA BURANA

//VILLA MARINA, DOUGLAS// Isle of Man Choral Society under the direction of Julian Power BEM, supported by Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra - leader Tom Field, presents the following works in a concert to be held at the Royal Hall Villa Marina Douglas.

Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia featuring pianist Judith Christian and Orff’s Carmina Burana with Mannin Youth Choir and Ellan Vannin Gymnastics Club and the following soloists: Helen Power and Linda Watterson (sopranos), Mandy Griffin and Angela Stewart (mezzo sopranos), John Riley (tenor) and Graham Crowe (baritone).

This performance was originally due to take place in 2020 and all tickets remain valid. If you are now unable a full refund is available.

www.villagaiety.com

29.03 – 04.04.2021 WIZARD OF OZ

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The rescheduled trip down the Yellow Brick Road by performers from the Christine Wild Theatre School and Rachel Wild’s Performers Studio promises to be a lavish production with impressive scenery, timeless music and a cast of over 200!

In these difficult times what better escapism than the beloved “Wizard of Oz”. Join Dorothy on her captivating adventure to discover there really is “no place like home!”

All original tickets will be honoured or refunded. See www.villagaiety.com. Please note that there are TWO new matinee performances.

01.04 – 30.09.2021 BOUNDARIES

//HOUSE OF MANANNAN, PEEL// A curated open art exhibition on the theme ‘Boundaries’ will take place in the temporary exhibition gallery at the House of Manannan over the summer.

Organised by the Island’s creative, the call for submissions late last year was answered, resulting in this exhibition of work by 27 local artists, selected by curators Keith McIntyre, Ian Coulson and Helen Fox from the 87 entries. Work includes installation pieces, video, ceramics, photography, painting, sculpture and mixed media.

Open submission, themed, selected shows are common place in the UK but few of this nature have taken place on the Isle of Man. The Creative Network hopes to make the open show a regular feature and aims to create strong, curated bodies of work, with a view to touring off-Island in due course.

The exhibition is free to attend.

www.manxnationalheritage.im

09.04-11.04.2021 THE TWITS

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Following the success of ‘Juan and the Beanstalk,’ Hello Little People is ready to wow the Island again with this innovative production of THE TWITS, one of Roald Dahl’s best loved books, adapted for stage by David Wood.

With original music, terrific tricks and joyous jokes, this epic show will have you laughing out loud and wanting more.

Great for the whole family. Best suited to children 5+ but younger children welcome at the parent’s/guardian’s discretion.

www.roalddahl.com | www.davidwood.org. uk | www.villagaiety.com

15.04 – 17.04.2021 A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// The Manx Operatic Society is thrilled to invite you to ‘A Night at the Musicals’, an evening celebrating some of the best songs from their productions from 1950 to 2020.

Be prepared for an evening of glitz, glamour and toe-tapping tunes from the world of musical theatre, revisiting old favourites and recent treasures. Brought to you by a first-class talented all Manx cast and locally directed by Sonia Callin with Musical Director David Holland.

Includes songs from ‘Westside Story’, ‘Oklahoma’, ‘42nd Street’, ‘Vagabond King’, ‘Legally Blonde’, ‘Hairspray’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Les Miserables’ and plenty more!

www.villagaiety.com

23.04 – 01.05.2021 SHREK – THE MUSICAL

//GAIETY THEATRE, DOUGLAS// Douglas Choral Union is proud to present ‘Shrek – the Musical’ for its 125 year celebration, postponed from the original February dates.

Based on the story and characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairy tales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy - an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!

Tickets for the original dates are being honoured, or refunded where necessary. See www.villagaiety.com for details, or to buy new ones.