A Happy Landing!

No sooner had former drama teacher Keith Larkin landed on the Isle of Wight, than he landed a part in the Apollo Theatre's next production of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'.

Keith will play the Boatswain after the previous cast member had to drop out. 

The play's director, Mike Whitehead, said: "It was obviously meant to be. This is Keith's favourite Shakespeare play, and he arrived on the Island by ship - just as his character does!"

The play is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan (played by Michael Arnell) plots to restore his daughter Miranda (Susan Simpson) to her rightful place in the court. He uses his magic powers to summon up a storm, which wrecks a ship carrying his usurping brother Antonio (Alain Smith), among others.

First performed in 1611, it is one of Shakespeare's shortest plays, and is renowned for the beauty of its language, its dreamlike quality and some rich and colourful characters, including the spirit Ariel (Ginnie Orrey), and Prospero's slave Caliban, played by Danny Carmichael.

The Apollo's production will feature authentic period costume, matched with the use of modern technology to create sound effects and lighting.

You can catch it on May 15 and 16, and from May 19 to 23.

For more information and online booking, go to www.apollo-theatre.org.uk