The Friends of Shanklin Theatre was started in February 2008 following an announcement by the Isle of Wight Council, saying that they were considering closing the Theatre.

In 2008 and 2009 contact was maintained with the Council, and the Friends expressed interest in taking over the Theatre, incorporating an Arts Centre for the Bay Area, and running it as a Community Interest Group. At that time no formal proposal was put to the Council.

At the Cabinet meeting on the 19th January the Council voted to close the Theatre on the 4th April. However, the Cabinet seemed strongly in favour of making the Theatre available to a Community Group.

At the Shanklin Town Council Meeting held on 11th March the Council voted to to agree in principle to acquire the Freehold of Shanklin Theatre, and to authorise Chris Quirk, Richard Priest and John Fleming, Town Councillors, to negotiate terms of transfer with the IWC.

It was also voted to authorise the Mayor to sign a "Licence to Occupy" for Shanklin Theatre with the IWC, to run from 14th April 2010 to 8th October 2010. This enables the Theatre to be operated until the negotiations with the IWC are finalised. A process which is likely to take some months.

Despite some delays documents were exchanged between Shanklin Town Council and the IWC on 22nd April and on Thursday 22nd April, Lynda Fleming, Mayor of Shanklin, signed the necessary paperwork for the temporary lease of the Theatre.

The Friends of Shanklin Theatre still need help and support.

Please consider:

Becoming a Friend:

Membership is currently £5 (adult) / £1 (under 16) annually. 

Becoming a Patron:

Individual £25.00  annually
Business £100.00 annually

It is planned to display a list of Patrons in the Theatre.

Contact: email fost@live.co.uk