Leading Lady - An Interview With Sarah Scotcher

As one of our founding members, Sarah Scotcher is undeniably passionate about the Wight Strollers. In fact, most of her time is spent writing the script, directing rehearsals, casting, producing shows, making lighting plots… the list goes on. 

Sarah is a true Island theatre legend, playing glamorous princesses, wicked baddies, mullet-wearing Aussies, grumpy dwarfs, and even a tree! 

I’ve chatted with Sarah to find out a bit more about her thoughts and feelings, on and off stage… 

Let’s start simple - how did you first get into The Wight Strollers?

I was very badly bullied at the age of 8, so my Mum took me to see one of Nesta Meech’s pantomimes, as a treat. I turned to her and said “I want to do this.”
I went along, and absolutely loved it. As time went on, I found that I was very natural on the stage and, as they say, the rest is history. 

In 2008, you took on the mammoth role of directing. How did you feel going into it?

I ended up making a few changes, which weren’t necessarily popular with everyone, and to start with there was some uncertainty. But I felt the company needed it - we needed to start growing. And the show that came out of it was excellent! It’s slightly bittersweet, because my Mum died in the January… which made it tricky for myself, Emily and Ed. But we performed. And it was a brilliant show. 

I do know the answer to this question… but I’m going to ask it anyway!! What was the most difficult show for you?

It was, without a doubt, Priscilla. But… it was my idea to do it! I had to pitch it to the committee, and of course they thought I knew what I was doing. I genuinely had no idea how big a project it was going to be. And how much work it would be, particularly for my friend Gerry (Tulloch). It was huge for costumes. I will never forgive myself for that! 

And what about your proudest moments?

Joseph, for sure. It was the first time the Strollers had done a musical. I was just so immensely proud of it. I have never been involved in a show that had quite so much of a feel-good factor for it. Off stage, on stage, backstage. It was purely joyful. 

Another one has to be the time I got my first ‘real’ laughs. I was playing Willie, in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (1999). 

I mentioned earlier that you write the scripts - why did you start to do that?

I started doing it originally with Mike Sutcliffe because I was simply bored of most pantomime scripts. Of course, it saves money too, which means more for our charities! It eventually evolved to Emily and I writing them, which is just lovely. We’re in the same location, which is easier, and she brings different things to the table. It comes out pretty good! 

Another hard question - but what do you love about performing? 

Oh gosh… I’m stumped for words! I suppose it’s mostly the camaraderie. I don’t know, I just know that I love it. I just know that it makes me feel uplifted - it's a bit like a drug, I suppose. Because I’m always full of self doubt, putting it to the audience for the first time is always hard. But the reaction afterwards is pure happiness. 

Why is the Strollers so important for young people?

Just seeing my own children going through it and becoming confident people with all age groups is testament to the Strollers. It sounds corny, and I know others have said it, but it’s all about family. When The Wight Strollers first formed, it was all about family and it still is now. It’s a huge confidence booster for kids. It's rare for a company to give all of their junior members as many chances as we do. It’s because we love it. 

Do you have any advice for young people in theatre? 

No-one is bigger than the whole show. Whether you are sweeping the stage or top of the bill, everyone is important. And I truly believe that. Also, never stop learning. 

Brilliant advice. Lastly, if you can tell me, why is the Strollers so special?

I absolutely adore it. I love the people, I love the values behind it, I love that I can be with friends doing what I love. There’s a whole load of love! That’s it in a nutshell. I’m passionate about it. 

From myself, and the company, a huge thank you for your dedication, passion and talents to the Wight Strollers. We really wouldn’t be where we are without you. 

You really are the woman that makes the Wight Strollers tagline true - ‘Professional quality at amateur prices’! Thank you. 

Granny's At The Barre...

The Great British Summer is here at last and that means only one thing for The Wight Strollers: it's carnival season!

We got underway this year at Sandown Main, on July 27th, where we revealed our theme: 'Granny's At The Barre'. Pretty self-explanatory, it involves our troupe donning tutus, legwarmers and granny wigs and parading through the Island's streets performing our comedic, balletic routines.

This year's choreography comes down to Sarah Scotcher, Cheryl Rudd and Elisa Jones, who have been working hard to produce three exceptionally entertaining routines to 'Uptown Funk', 'Hooked on Tchaikovsky' and disco classic 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now'.

The first carnival is always a bit nerve-wracking. It's the moment we discover where our theme is a hit or a flop and this year's may well go down among our best, if the crowd's reaction in Sandown was anything to go by!

The judges loved us, too, and we walked away with First Prize in our class, the Chairman's Memorial Cup for being the most economic, effective and efficient entry and the trophy for Best Overall.

Newport, on August 1st, was no less successful and we were awarded First Prize and Best Overall there, too, which thrilled our graceful grannies and sent energy levels through the roof.

Cowes Main, a late addition to our programme, on August 6th, was another winning evening for our troupe, with another First Prize and Best Overall to add to our float.

Three carnivals down and, with seven trophies to show for them, it's safe to say we're over the moon!

We've got four more carnival appearances this season, so if you've missed out on seeing us so far, you can catch us at:

- Ventnor Illuminated: Saturday 15th August

- Sandown Illuminated: Wednesday 26th August

- Ryde Main: Thursday 27th August

- Ryde Illuminated: Saturday 5th September 

If you can't make it to a carnival, or you're not Island-based, never fear! There are plenty of pictures and YouTube videos circulating - why not check out the pictures on our Facebook page or the video from our first outing (check us out at 10:24 and 22:46) at Sandown's Main Procession?

Keep an eye on the blog for news from our final carnival appearances, pantomime news and a few more exciting announcements...

Introducing...Aladdin!

Here at The Wight Strollers, we pride ourselves on introducing new faces to the company and giving them a chance to shine - it's part of what keeps the company growing and thriving, as it has now done under the banner of The Wight Strollers for thirty-five years!

So, this year, we'd like to introduce to you a brand new face in the Strollers family: Nick Weightman, who will be starring in our forthcoming pantomime as the one and only Aladdin.

Welcome to The Wight Strollers, Nick! How are you finding your experience of being in the company?

"It's absolutely incredible, everyone's so friendly and so welcoming of new people - it's really nice!"

Have you always been a panto fan, Nick?

"Oh yeah, all my life! I remember going to watch it when I was in Beavers and Cubs and then I did one when I was sixteen, then seventeen, then eighteen...I had a break while I was at uni, so to be able to get back into them now is so much fun."

Well, playing Aladdin in Aladdin sounds like a great way to get back into pantomime to me! What is it about panto that you love so much?

"I just love the happy, friendly environment, of the rehearsals and the shows, and the fact that the audience is always on your side - it's such a vibrant and energetic atmosphere to perform in, I love it."

Without giving too much away, what's your favourite part of the show?

"My favourite part of the show? It's actually a scene I'm not in! But it's just going to amaze and wow and leave the audience in fits of laughter..."

I think I might know which bit you're talking about! And finally, what advice would you give to kids who, like Aladdin, have a tendency to dream big?

"Just follow your dreams. Don't let anybody get in your way. If anybody says you can't do it, take that negativity and turn it into positivity and have it fuel your passion. You'll get there."

Good advice - thanks, Nick! And break a leg for the show!

See Nick Weightman as Aladdin in our forthcoming production by phoning Medina Box Office on 01983 823884 or visiting the website to buy your tickets. February 14th, 15th and 21st - you don't want to miss it!

Not Just For Kids: Pantomimes Are For Everyone!

So many people - too many people - dismiss pantomime as being solely for children or as being somehow lesser as an art form than, say, a Shakespearean tragedy or a high-brow comedy or even a musical. 

But here at The Wight Strollers, we firmly believe that pantomime is no less valuable than any other form of theatre - it's just different!

There is more to pantomime than meets the eye, and we're going to give you our top ten reasons why we believe that pantomime is for everyone - enjoy!

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1. It's Got It All!
Singing, acting, dancing, the humble pantomime has everything! An extravaganza of music, laughter and dance, it's a variety show with a storyline! What's not to like?

2. It's Timeless
The stories chosen for pantomimes are often age-old tales that people the world over hold dear, adults and children alike. From Aladdin to Cinderella, the difference between right and wrong is nowhere better illustrated than in these classic fairytales.

3. Panto Humour
There is barely a joke in Pantoland that cannot be perceived as an innuendo! Double entendre is the name of the game in any panto worth its salt, and script writers are only too aware that for every child in the audience there is at least one corresponding adult to keep entertained!

4. The Dame
A character that both adults and children can appreciate; whilst the children laugh at a dame's silly outfits, the adults will often find themselves on the receiving end of the dame's flirtatious humour!

5. Audience Participation
It's not a panto without audience participation, and there are no rules about how loud you can shout! Get involved and have a bit of fun: warn the princess of impending danger, argue with the villain...and heckle the dame. We dare you.

6. It's A Visual Feast
Costumes, scenery, pyrotechnics, lighting. Pantomimes, no matter what their size, can be a visual treat for audience members of any age. From the glitz and glamour of the wardrobe to the stunning backdrops, pantomimes give artists, seamstresses and technicians a chance to really let rip with their talents. It's a real labour of love for the behind-the-scenes team, and it shows in every sequin.

7. Family Bonding
Whether you visit with your children, your other half, your parents or your friends, a good old-fashioned pantomime is the perfect way to bring the family together. There's something for everyone and, as with any good show or film, each person will come away remembering and feeling something different...

8. Introducing Live Theatre
Do you love the arts? Are you a fan of theatre? Would you love for your children to grow up with the same appreciation of live entertainment? Well then, take an afternoon away from the realms of pause, rewind and skip, and step into a world of wonder where it's all about live-action and anything can happen! Who knows - it may even inspire a budding performer to take those first crucial steps onto a stage...

9. A Touch Of Magic
As we grow older, we can often lose sight of the magic that filled the world when we were children, but in Pantoland reality is suspended and the impossible becomes possible. We have magic in abundance, and we love nothing better than to share it with our audiences!

10. Happily Ever After
In a world growing weary of bad news, despair and disaster, there is something to be said for escaping for a few hours into a world where dreams come true and a happy ending is a given.

After all, everyone deserves the chance to believe in 'happily ever after'...at least for a little while.

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Convinced? We are, too! So check your diaries and buy your tickets for Aladdin at Medina Theatre on February 14th, 15th and 21st. You don't want to miss it!