The Scarlet Pimpernel is a full-scale musical at Shanklin Theatre, performed by Shoreline Productions on the Friday night of their four-night run (28 to 31 May). The story is drawn from Baroness Orczy's novel: revolutionary France, daring rescues across the Channel, disguises and double lives, and a love story stretched between Georgian England and a country in the middle of a bloodbath. Shoreline Productions have form at this venue; their Phantom of the Opera sold out its run here, and The Little Mermaid and Wind in the Willows showed the same level of production ambition.
The score is by Frank Wildhorn and Nan Knighton, who also wrote the book, and if you know the show you will recognise numbers including "Into The Fire," "When I Look At You," "You Are My Home," and "She Was There." For anyone browsing music events on the Isle of Wight and wanting something more immersive than a concert, this is a proper musical theatre production with a full narrative arc and staging to match. The 7.30pm start and 10pm finish make it a complete evening rather than something you are rushing home from early.
Tickets are £23 including a £1 booking fee. Group rates are available directly from the Box Office, and the Shanklin Theatre event page has the detail. Booking ahead is sensible; Shoreline Productions have sold out this venue before, and the run is only four nights. If you want to make a proper evening of it, Shanklin Old Village is a short walk from Steephill Road and has restaurants that suit the 7.30pm start. The show is indoors, which makes it a solid choice if the May weather turns uncertain.