Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2016 | Page 54

SOCIAL SCENE Shakespeare celebrations I n celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday, Anthony Churchill held his eighth annual dinner at the Rex Piano Bar in Ventnor. The evening had an Italian theme, to coincide with the Rex’s reincarnation as an Italian restaurant. New chef Riccardo produced a five course meal themed on five of Shakespeare’s Italian plays with each course linked to a town/region of Italy referenced in the play. The Italian meatballs in sauce and the mini Caesar salad were especially delicious. Throughout the evening diners were encouraged to make personal contributions. One of the most amusing was Geri Ward’s The Taming of the Shrew, made with a few timely placed comments from William Smith. Hugh Verey gave a beautiful rendition of Santa Lucia, his brother Harry played his classical guitar piece themed on the sonnets to the Dark Lady and Sorcha Verey stole the show as Juliet, from Romeo and Juliet. Anthony Churchill very kindly donated his ‘Churchill Trail’ cake so that Harry Verey and Maureen Cawley could cut it, as both share their birthdays with Shakespeare. Pictures by Jo Macaulay 54 www.visitilife.com June/July 2016_MASTER .indd 54 14/06/2016 01:49