Island Summer Theatre Festival - Merry Wives of Windsor & Thumbelina

About

The Island Summer Theatre Festival invites audiences to celebrate the warmth, wonder, and magic of live performance under the summer sky. Featuring a vibrant blend of classic stories, original works, and family favourites, this year’s festival transforms the stage into a world of imagination and discovery. Each afternoon, families can delight in our joyful matinee productions filled with music, laughter, and heart; While evenings give way to the poetry and passion of Shakespeare beneath the setting sun. Together, these performances weave a tapestry of humour, mystery, and beauty, capturing the spirit of a season devoted to exploration. From light-hearted adventures to stirring tales that linger long after the final bow, ISTF promises unforgettable experiences shared with friends, family, and community. - - Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare directed & adapted by Maureen Robinson Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy gets a swingin' makeover in this vibrant, early 1960s-inspired production of The Merry Wives of Windsor! Down on his luck and looking for a quick payday, the pompous Sir John Falstaff sets his sights on the wealthy wives of the local Country Club. But he’s no match for the clever Mistress Ford and Mistress Page! When the ladies discover his identical love letters, they team up to teach the scheming rogue a hilarious lesson he won't soon forget. Alongside a cast of quirky caddies, jealous husbands, and young lovers, the chaos unfolds on the lush greens of a 1960s golf course, complete with argyle sweaters, runaway golf carts, and perfectly mixed martinis at the clubhouse. This bold reimagining brings Shakespeare’s sharp wit to life with retro flair and a soundtrack of early ’60s hits, making the fairways feel more alive—and more entertaining—than ever before. - - Thumbelina by Ben Francis directed Rigby Mudgridge Step into a world of boundless fantasy and wonder with this action-packed and hilariously reimagined adaptation of Thumbelina. Born from a glowing cosmic grain, our pint-sized protagonist discovers she is destined to be the next Guardian of Anthoria, a mystical realm of vibrant magic and ancient secrets. Alongside her wisecracking, high-flying bird companion Pip, Thumbelina must master her newfound powers while soaring through Anthoria and dodging the clutches of the revolting toad-warlord, Vorgon-Zul. As Vorgon and his army of mindless, slime-dripping Slugs threaten to drain the life from their world, this unlikely hero proves that courage isn't measured in inches. It is a joyous journey filled with heart-pounding combat, modern wit, and a grand scale adventure that redefines what it means to be a legend.