Are you ready for your close up? Horse Box Theatre are putting the final touches to their bold new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stunning Hollywood musical, Sunset Boulevard, as they prepare for their run at Shanklin Theatre this week (7th-10th November 2024).
Drenched in champagne and cynicism, Sunset Boulevard focuses the lens on the ambitions and frustrations of its characters and puts their intoxicating need for fame and adoration in stark close-up.
Championing local talent
Horse Box Theatre are building a strong reputation on the Island for championing local talent and performing hugely successful new writing and bold reimaginings of classic texts.
Their sell-out production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream enchanted audiences earlier this year and hits like One Man, Two Guvnors, Ryde Boy and Frankenstein.
An unforgettable night of theatre
Charles Johnson, a familiar face on the Shanklin Theatre stage as a cast member of Beyond the West End and the annual pantomime, takes on the role of Joe Gillis.
Hanna Emily Nixon, known for her performances in Shirley Valentine and The Actress, takes on the iconic role of the faded movie star, Norma Desmond.
Famed movie star Norma Desmond has been cast out of the Hollywood limelight. Living in a suffocating world of dreams, memories and regrets, a chance encounter with screenwriter Joe Gillis may be her only hope — unless their volatile affair destroys them both…
Limited run
Playing for a limited run at Shanklin Theatre from 7th-10th November, the musical’s iconic score features songs including The Perfect Year, With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye and the title song Sunset Boulevard.
Plumb: We’ve got some surprises in store
For this production, the show’s director, Joe Plumb, has cast an all-female ensemble who play versions of Norma Desmond throughout the show. Joe said,
“They are like a Greek Chorus, echoing the feelings of Norma as she goes on this tragic spiral.”
Joe also said,
“We’ve got some surprises in store and we cannot We have an insanely talented cast who bring so much to this powerful piece. Expect the unexpected. This is BIG!”
Dazzling choreography by Joe Alabaster along with a live orchestra under the baton of Musical Director, Steve Burton, this promises to be an unforgettable night of theatre.
Where and when
Sunset Boulevard takes place at 7.30pm on 7th, 8th and 9th November, with a matinee at 2.30pm on 10th November at Shanklin Theatre.
Tickets are available from the Horsebox Theatre website or from the Shanklin Theatre on 01983 868000.
Our thanks to Horsebox Theatre for sponsoring for this feature. They and other businesses and organisations taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free.
