As the hot weather approaches, we look forward to summer – and a number of exciting events we have coming up!
Stories Underfoot: Wilde in Ryde
Sunday 14 June | 10.30am
Ryde Town Hall, Lind Street
Tickets £10, book here
Our second STORIES UNDERFOOT walk is just around the corner! Curious islanders are invited to join the celebrated playwright, Oscar Wilde, on a guided tour in his former footsteps in Ryde.
There are limited spaces available for this exciting, immersive event. For more information and tickets, click here.
Refraction
15 June | 7pm-9pm | Art House Life, East Cowes
Tickets free, but booking required here
REFRACTION is a celebration of the work of our first graduating ‘AAPTP’ trainees. The evening includes a showcase of original works written and devised by Cody Pevreall and Ben Homes, a presentation from Lucas Alexander Berry, and an exhibition of local queer artists.
Come along and support this creative and inspiring evening. More information and booking available here.
Communities Against Cancer
StoneCrabs has been awarded a grant from Wessex Cancer Alliance for the Communities Against Cancer project and our Project Manager, Caroline Diamond, is receiving training to be a Health Champion for the LGBTQ+ community. We will be raising awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of early detection.
As May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing a Unity 101 Radio interview with Anjali Mavi that tells you more about skin cancer and the signs to look out for.
Check out this article in On the Wight about the project.
LGBTQ+ book club
Saturday 30 May | 10.30am-12.30pm
One Holyrood, Newport
Our regular LGBTQ+ book club meets on the last Saturday of each month. In May, we meet on Saturday 30th in the Toolshed at One Holyrood. Our monthly pick is always a book with LGBTQ+ themes and this month, we have been reading Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.
This month, we have extended the meeting to discuss our UNION zine, part of our Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories project, funded by Historic England. We have lots of fabulous articles, poetry, and literary responses to the LGBTQ+ history of Ryde, and will be planning the layout of our zine. Feel free to stay or come along to help!
LGBTQ+ Meet-up
Saturday 6 June | 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
Scratch Night
Thursday 28 May | 8pm | Department, Ryde
Tickets here
Department is hosting a Scratch Night on Thursday 28 May, previewing a number of upcoming productions. Come along to watch a taster of plays such as Anmarie Bowler’s Keeper, Joe Plumb’s Ryde Girl, Mitch Hamer’s Felicity’s Will, and a new work from Ashley Hetherington.
Queer Bash
29 May and 30 May | 7.30pm | Anthony Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts
Tickets here
‘Performed originally for Isle of Wight Pride 2017 and UK Pride 2018, ‘The Queer Bash’ now returns for its third iteration. An original, devised play by Carl Burch for RedTIE Theatre. The Queer Bash is an in-depth exploration of the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community today and historical struggles that have never quite dwindled. It is also an unapologetic celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. A brutally honest and colourful emotional rollercoaster that is as funny as it is poignant. Come to laugh. Come to cry. Come to be entertained.
Ventnor Fringe
17-26 July | Ventnor
Tickets and more info here
Ventnor Fringe returns this July! Over 130 shows are currently on sale, ranging from live music, theatre, poetry, and other performances. Many venues across Ventnor will be hosting events, and there are also free activities to get involved with. There is something for everyone so check out their website or pick up a free guide.