Treasure Island

Enter the world of Robert Louis Stevenson’s book "Treasure Island" and take a trip to the world of Jim Hawkins, Pirates, and treasure maps, however with a rather large twist, the twist being this was a pantomime version where anything goes and mayhem ensues.  The script and song lyrics were written by Robert Walsh who also played the one-legged Long John Silver. Directed by Steve Catterall and Shaun McManus, produced by Ian Robinson with Libby Burke as Choreographer and Rachel Toner as Musical Director this was a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment for both the adults and the children in the audience.

The action was a little slow to begin with, but soon the audience began to warm to the proceedings becoming really engaged in what was happening on the stage and responding to the cast very well - helped by some very good comedy acting and audience participation. There were some very fine actors in the cast who produced some great characters, they included Katie Potter who had very good stage presence and gave an excellent performance in the central role of Jim Hawkins, Phil Quinn as Ben Gunn produced a lovely comedic performance with the type of zany comedy which was just right for a pantomime and would appeal to both children and adults, he had a very good relationship with the audience. Then we have the obligatory baddie, namely Long John Silver played brilliantly by Robert Walsh who moved about the stage skilfully with one leg in a wooden prosthesis, his first musical number was very enjoyable as Robert hopped about the stage with great energy and athleticism while singing at the same time. Long John’s daughter Short Jane Silver was a very intrepid character who knew her own mind and was played confidently by Jade Ingram who had a very nice singing voice. Andy Burke as the dame Andrea Smollett  the ship’s captain had some very good jokes in his dialogue which he delivered well with a good clear voice and comic timing Andy was also able to talk to the audience and think on his feet as the saying goes. We then had the very comedic Comedy Duo Billy Bones - Natalie Howarth and Bobby Knuckles - Stephen Clipston who both complemented each other very well and had an excellent rapport with the audience. Allan Mayor as Squire Trelawny spent most of the pantomime telling everyone he owned a ship which I have to say was surprisingly very funny, probably thanks to Allan’s acting skills mixed with his facial expressions. Last, but certainly not least, we have the very comedic Alan Levesley dressed in a bird suite as Polly, Long John’s rather large intelligent parrot who was secretly the mastermind behind all the Pirate’s dastardly plans, unfortunately Long John wasn’t very bright, and made a mess of these plans meaning that Polly was very cross and frustrated most of the time.

Musical numbers were enjoyable and were performed confidently by all the cast, they complemented the story very well and accompaniment was by Backing Tracks all under the guidance of Rachel Toner as Musical Director.

The chorus of dancing Deck Hands led by Dance Captain Helaina Bowling appeared to be enjoying themselves, they performed the choreography by Libby Burke proficiently, and simultaneously, they were lively and supported the principle cast very well. Just a mention of Isaac Latham who did very well in a small cameo role at the beginning of the show

The set which included scenes such as inside Jim Hawkins Inn, the deck of a ship and an Island was excellently designed by Shaun McManus. Well done all the Set Builders, Painters, Stage Crew, Props, Chaperones and Stage Manager Jack Vardy for a very smooth-running show. Technical design by Paul Carr was also operated by Paul along with Ben Holden and was as usual excellent and is a critical part of the success of any production.

Costumes were organised by the wonderful Sandra Dickinson who always hits the nail on the head for all the cast adding an important element for the actors when performing a role.

Congratulations on producing a very entertaining and enjoyable pantomime and to everyone involved in bringing this show to the stage a great deal of hard work must have gone into this production. I also really enjoyed doing the pirate themed puzzles in the programme both before the show and in the interval. Well done, Ian Robinson for his work on the programme and flyer design.

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