Time Nor Tide Players CIC, an exuberant Isle of Wight theatre group, brings to the stage an invigorating new musical that delves into the poignant historical narrative of Molly Downer, the last Isle of Wight witch.
As part of the Ventnor Fringe Festival, audiences will witness this captivating performance on the 28th, 29th, and 30th July at 12.30pm.
Molly Downer: A tale of defiance
Scripted and orchestrated by Time Nor Tide Players CIC, this musical is a bona fide Isle of Wight production, written by Islanders for the show.
The narrative addresses hard-hitting themes of inequality and superstition, rooted in an 18th-century backdrop where the protagonist, Molly Downer, grapples with societal judgment and alienation.
Daughter of resilience
The story focuses on Molly, the illegitimate child of a clergyman, as she battles scorn for her birth, her way of life, and her forbidden love for another woman.
Her struggle to be authentic, amid a world that denies her very existence, resonates profoundly with contemporary challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and indeed anyone wrestling with the enduring biases of our modern society.
Love amidst adversity
Despite the elements of betrayal and loss, Molly’s story is permeated with her resilience, her mother’s unwavering love, and the glimmers of hope she finds in the relationship she cultivates.
Her ability to stand tall in the face of adversity paints a portrait of a woman unyielding to societal pressures.
Lasting Legacy
Regrettably, Molly succumbs to an isolated existence, through no fault of her own.
Nonetheless, her indomitable strength and the enduring love felt for her memory by her partner’s daughter render her story one of resolute defiance in a world that only acknowledges those who kowtow to the powers-that-be.
A moving historical tale
To the audience, Time Nor Tide Players CIC extends an invitation to experience this moving historical tale – a musical reminder of the strength of the human spirit, and the power of love and defiance in the face of adversity.
To get a flavour of this wholly Isle of Wight production check out some of the rehearsal videos on Time Nor Tide YouTube Channel.
Content Warning: The Molly Downer Musical deals with physical and emotional abuse and some people may find some scenes difficult.
Where and when
The Molly Downer Musical will be performed on Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July from 12.30pm-2pm at St Boniface Studios (The Hall at St Catherine’s Sixth Form College), Leeson Road, Ventnor PO38 1PR.
Tickets are priced at £10 each, £8 for Under 25s, £20 for Group of four, or 2for1 for Culture / Unlimited Pass holders (find out more about this).
Book via the Ventnor Exchange Box Office, by calling (01983) 716767 or by popping into Ventnor Exchange, 11 Church Street, Ventnor PO38 1SW.
Time Nor Tide Players CIC will also be previewing some of their songs at the Isle of Wight Pride Concert between 12.30pm and 1pm on Saturday 15th July.
Our thanks to Time Nor Tide Players CIC for sponsoring for this feature. They and other businesses and organisations taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free.
