As the weather brightens, we are enjoying the sunny spring and looking forward to some exciting activities over the coming months. Read on to find out more…
Stories Underfoot: Woolf in Freshwater
Sunday 17 May | 10.30am
Albion Hotel, Freshwater
Ticket £10, book here
STORIES UNDERFOOT are here! After the success of the performed walks series last year, we will be walking again with Woolf in Freshwater, Wilde in Ryde, and Mew in Newport, and a brand new walk, Swinburne in Bonchurch. The new promenade performances feature a Whisper system, with audio headsets for a clear, immersive listening experience.
Join Virginia Woolf on Sunday 17 May at 10:30am for a memory-laden walk through Freshwater, Isle of Wight. Starting at the Albion Hotel’s Wishing Well, this journey mirrors the transcendent spirit of Orlando as Woolf revisits her childhood connection to aunt Julia Margaret Cameron and other family members and friends.
We are a proud partner of Creative Island’s CAN YOU HEAR US? project.
You can find out more details on our blog page. Watch the trailer for STORIES UNDERFOOT below.
Teens Drama Saturday club at Quay Arts
Saturdays 10am-12pm from May 9th
More info and sign-up here
Our teens Off Book drama group kicks off at Quay Arts from May 9th. Supported by the National Saturday Club, this group, for young people aged 13 to 16, is designed to be a creative, inclusive space where young people can meet new friends and explore theatre, storytelling, and self-expression – whether they’re seasoned performers or total beginners.
Club members also take part in national events including Masterclasses with leading industry professionals and the Summer Show in London – all for free!
Wednesday in Nevermore: The Rite of Equals
On 24 March, our current Off Book young people performed Wednesday in Nevermore: The Rite of Equals, written and produced by the group. This immersive promenade piece explored Sandown Library in unique ways.
The audience praised the experience of ‘following the actors around the beautiful building’, ‘the very creative way the space was used’, and ‘the connection between the characters’.
Scroll through the gallery to see some photos from the performance…
Associate Artist/Producer Training Programme
More details here
StoneCrabs Theatre is excited to open applications for our Associate Artist/Producer Training Programme (AAPTP). This is a paid, hands-on opportunity for Isle of Wight LGBTQ+ young leaders looking to develop skills in the performing arts and community sector.
The application deadline is 26 April 2026 with interviews on 5 and 6 May. Want to know more about it? We will be hosting an online Q&A session on Wednesday 15 April at 3pm or click here for more detailed information on how to apply.
Listen Queer and Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories
On 7 April, Dr Lena Mattheis from the University of Surrey came over to Ryde to record our community as part of our Historic England-funded Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories project. This was a fantastic day, exploring the hidden heritage of Ryde and a number of venues such as Oz, Bar 53 and Bar 74, as well as significant LGBTQ+ figures like Oscar Wilde and Phaedra Kelly. Thank you to everyone who
The interviews and walks will soon be available on Listen Queer where you can also find a number of other queer histories to explore.
We are also continuing to work on our zine, UNION. This will be full of your articles, memories, poetry and literary writing, investigating the LGBTQ+ stories of Ryde. For more details, or to submit a piece, please contact info@stonecrabs.co.uk. Submissions can be also anonymous.
LGBTQ+ book club
Saturday 25 April | 10.30am-12.30pm
One Holyrood, Newport
Our regular LGBTQ+ book club meets on the last Saturday of each month. In April, we meet on Saturday 25 in the Toolshed at One Holyrood. Our monthly pick is always a book with LGBTQ+ themes and this month, we have been reading The Names by Florence Knapp.
LGBTQ+ Meet-up
Saturday 2 May | 10.30am – 1.30pm
Fitting Room at Department
On the first Saturday of each month, we meet in the Fitting Room at Department. This is a relaxed social event, welcome to all. There is free tea and coffee available, or you can choose from the delicious selection of cakes and drinks in the cafe. It is an accessible venue, with a lift to the first floor.
NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS
Call out for 12-word stories!
Apply here
The Isle of Wight’s literary handbill, run by Anmarie Bowler, is calling out for 12-word stories. Not simply a 12-word sentence but a narrative – and don’t forget to add a title! Write it, tweak it, read it aloud. Edit, rethink, admire your work. Then send it to Brevity via their contact page.
All submissions will be considered for a literary exhibition at Quay Arts in September.[/vc_column_text]
Voila Festival 2026
2-22 November
Various locations across London
More info here
The Voila! Theatre Festival 2026, organised by one of our Directors in Practice graduates, Katharina Reinthaller, takes places across multiple theatres and venues in London. This is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural celebration of theatre with performances, scratch nights, workshops, and live streams, and applications are now open here.