The Island Savoyards have reached out from their traditional home at Shanklin Theatre to bring a touch of romance, glamour and festive cheer to Ventnor. Ivor Novello was a great romantic song writer in the 30's and 40's, famous for his sensuous and fiendishly memorable songs such as 'We'll Gather Lilacs', ' Merry Widow Waltz', 'Land of Might Have Been' and the infamous WWI theme 'Keep the Home fires Burning'.

'Christmas with Novello' is set in 1946 where the audience are invited to join Novello and his friends in a Christmas Party, where not only are his own songs recited, but also those of other famous songwriters of the time, such as Noel Coward. In the second half of the show, the guests get together to sing various Christmas songs, such as 'Let It snow' (done in an Beverly Sisters style), White Christmas and Jingle Bells. The Savoyards also sing some truly emotional pieces, including Berlioz's 'The Shepherds' Farewell' and Adam's 'Oh Holy Night!'

Tickets are priced at £7.50 each and are available from the Winter Gardens box office between 12 and 2pm, (tel 857581) or before performances.

The show is to take place Friday 20th November (7.30pm) and Saturday 21st November (Matinee at 2.30pm, evening show 7.30pm).