As the weather brightens and we move into spring, StoneCrabs Theatre has a number of great meet-ups and events, as well as an exciting immersive performance from our Off Book young people’s drama groups. Read on to find out more, and also to see the winning designs in our badge competition!
Wednesday in Nevermore
Wednesday in Nevermore: The Rite of Equals
Tuesday 24 March | 7pm | Sandown Library
Tickets here
Our Off Book Drama group will be staging an immersive theatre production, Wednesday in Nevermore: The Rite of Equals.
Arrive at Sandown Library and step into Nevermore! Discover the truth behind the library archives as Wednesday and Enid uncover their roles in a prophecy that could tear Nevermore apart. Transported to a place they don’t recognise and facing a visit from an unwanted guest, Wednesday, Enid, Pugsley and Eugene don’t have much time to work out what evil forces are at work and how to step them.
Can they reveal the mystery in time, or will they succumb to the darkness?
Join us for this immersive theatre experience as the Nevermore students walk us through the library and the secret it holds.
Tickets are available here on a donation basis.
OFF Book Group moves to Saturdays at Quay Arts from May 2026
We are excited to announce that Off Book, our theatre group, is now being supported by the National Saturday Club. From May 2026, OFF BOOK will be running on a Saturday at Quay Arts in Newport. If you are aged 13 to 16, or know someone who would be interested, please sign up here.
LGBT+ History Month 2026
February was a wonderful month for us as we celebrated LGBT+ History Month through a series of community-focused events across the Island. A particular highlight was our Short Films Night at Department in Ryde. We were proud to showcase our Faces + Places Performed Walk short films and share some of our research behind our Historic England-funded project, Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories in Ryde. We were moved to hear attendees refer to this special evening as ‘inclusive’ and ‘welcoming.’ It’s a joy to see these hidden histories inspiring people to look at our streets in a whole new light.
Our LGBTQ+ Faces + Places Trail Map was displayed at Department throughout the month. Designed by Spike Spondike, this map shows LGBTQ+ people, past and present, associated with the Isle of Wight.
The StoneCrabs team also delivered LGBT+ awareness workshops in local schools, looking at understanding diversity, equality and inclusivity.
Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook for photos from our Short Films Night!
Creative Careers Week 2026
Now in its third year, Creative Island’s Future Creative Careers Week has become a cornerstone for youth development on the Isle of Wight. We were delighted to contribute to this year’s initiative, which focused on turning creative passion into sustainable career pathways through direct mentorship and industry networking. Franko, Cody and Ben delivered various workshops to local schools including Brading Primary, St George’s, Summerfields and Broadlea Primary.
“We had a fantastic week delivering workshops to schools across the island for careers week exploring how Theatre and Film have a wealth of choices when it comes to career prospects, often mostly behind the scenes. We utilised the concept of storyboarding and freeze-frames to give students an idea of how a frozen image relates to on stage/screen visuals and its importance in a production. The students were smart and receptive, asking questions and getting involved with both the physical and creative elements of the tasks we had set. It was a really fun and rewarding learning experience.” Cody & Ben
LGBT+ Awareness Badge competition
Throughout LGBT+ History Month, we have also been showcasing the designs entered into our badge competition. These were submitted mostly by young people from local schools, as well as teachers and community artists.
We are pleased to announce the winning designs, all beautiful and showing the creativity within our community. These will be produced to support ongoing LGBTQ+ initiatives. Thank you to everyone who submitted a design!
First place (joint): Dee and Marcie
Second place: Anne
Third place: Kody (Foundation Learning, IOW College)
LGBTQ+ Meet-up
Saturday 7 March | 10.30am-1.30pm | Department, Ryde
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.
We also discuss our Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories in Ryde project. We are investigating the hidden heritage of Ryde and a number of venues there. Our findings will be produced in a zine and audio tour, contributed to by the community. We are keen to collate any memories, stories, or memorabilia you might have – submissions can be anonymous. Please contact info@stonecrabs.co.uk if you would like to take part.
Book club
Saturday 28 March | 10.30am-12.30pm
One Holyrood, Newport
Our regular book club meets on the last Saturday of each month. We meet for breakfast at The Toolshed, One Holyrood in Newport and discuss our chosen book, always with an LGBTQ+ theme. This month, we are reading The Dream of Doctor Bantam by Jeanne Thornton. People are welcome to come along even if they haven’t read the book but would like a social chat and/or breakfast!
Health Watch cancer survey
StoneCrabs has recently been awarded a grant funded by the Wessex Cancer Alliance to support anyone in the island’s LGBT+ ommunity who has been affected by cancer. As part of this project, we are connecting with local cancer support organisations and Healthwatch, an independent statutory champion for users of health and social care services in England.
Here is a questionnaire by Healthwatch for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer. It would be helpful if you could complete it to inform Healthwatch of how cancer services can be improved locally.
Easyfundraising
We are now a part of Easyfundraising! This is a simple way to help raise money for your chosen charity. Just sign up to our cause via this link and Easyfundraising will donate a portion of your purchase when you shop with thousands of partnered retailers. Until 8 March, each time a new supporter signs up, we will gain a free entry into a draw for a £250 donation prize. Please get involved if you haven’t already – this would really boost our fundraising!
News from our friends
Heathers The Musical: Teen Edition
Wednesday 11 March | 6.30pm
C50 Studio – The Isle of Wight College
Tickets here
Presented and produced by entirely Isle of Wight College level 3 students, Heathers the Musical: Teen edition is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. It is a hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal new show based on the greatest teen comedy of all time.
Rec Room: Opening Night
Saturday 14 March | 6pm – 9pm
Art-House-Life studio, Osborne Stable Block, East Cowes
Free entry, tickets here
Rec Room is a new quarterly event featuring artists from the Isle of Wight, with warm vibes, good company and good music. The opening night will include a performance from Krysia Mansfield, poetry from Maggie Sawkins, and art from Teresa Grimaldi, as well as a set from DJ Fly.
Village Halls Week: Health and Wellbeing
22 March | 11am – 3pm
Mottistone Gardens
There is a free community village hall event at Mottistone Gardens, focusing on health and wellbeing. There will be performances, demonstrations and entertainment, as well as various stalls and activities. Entry is free.
Figarama: The Write Fair
27-28 March | Calverts Hotel, Newport
More info and tickets here
Naked Figleaf Press will be hosting the inaugural Figarama, celebrating the local writing scene. There will be workshops from authors Hillard Morley, Katie Daysh, Kate Young, and Debbie Stott, as well as book sales, launches, and readings. Jean G-Owen will also be hosting Write Insight, looking into publishing and the writing craft.