Treasure Island

The programme told us about vague similarities to the classic story written by Robert Louis Stevenson. However vague the reference, this was a traditional pantomime performed by Phoenix Players written by members Roger Gowland and Graham Robson.

From the opening onwards, there was plenty of audience participation and interaction. There was a large cast involving a strong principal line up and ensemble who also played some of the other named roles. With a large cast it is not possible to mention everyone however it was evident the show’s success was due to the involvement of all and the team work this requires.

Setting the scene was undercover reported Lynda Jepson who played the part with the secrecy needed and one would have never guested she was a reporter! Playing a nice cameo role was Steve McHugh as Billy Bones who although deceased managed to pass the treasure map to our hero Kim Hawkins (sister to the more well-known Jim Hawkins). Bethany Harris played the part of Hawkins with confidence.  Setting sail to hunt the treasure were Mistress Trelawney played posh by Helen Douglas, Captain Smellitt played by Neil McBride and Dr Livery played by Rachel Harris. All three added well to the humour of the scenes they were involved in.

All good pantos need two other vital ingredients in addition to the hero and the goodies. We need a comedy duo and of course at least one person to boo at.

Luke Lively and ‘Jolly Roger’ Lively played by Fiona Robson and Roger Gowland were the likeable con men disguised as pirates who worked well together.

Rob Warnes played the baddie – Long John Silver (minus a parrot). The part was played with enough nastiness the role needed while also central to the fun of the overall piece.

Final mention of the main characters brings us back to the goodies. Mother to Kim Hawkins was Hattie Hawkins – the pantomime dame. Graham Robson managed to make the show his own on numerous occasions. A mixture of great one liners and audience participation made for a splendid performance as well as his ability to keep the pace of the show going.

I was pleased to see the good old mop routine on board the Hispaniola. It is a few years since I have seen this but nevertheless when done well it can be good fun. Those involved did not disappoint with the throwing down the mops and the ‘not my shoulder your shoulder’ gag.

This was later followed by another familiar routine in many pantos now – a version of “If I were not in pantomime”. This time with the words “If I were not a pirate bold”. All those involved managed the routine well as it needs total concentration to get it right. The fun part is always whether the person with the roles of a ‘pilot’ or ‘pile it’ manages to fall foul of the rest of the cast and Baz Stilinski as Blind Drunk Pew managed this well. Special mention must go to the two younger cast members involved in the routine – Meg Harris as Abraham Grey and Aaron O’Mahoney as Black Dog.

The band under the direction of Steve Bird played well and were not too loud to drown out the cast and at times were part of the interaction with the cast.

Congratulations to all at Phoenix Players on the performance. The stage was not large, and the script required several scene changes. These were managed well on opening night along with the projection which was also almost faultless.

It is always a pleasure to attend a performance by Phoenix Players and I look forward to ‘A Phoenix Night’ – comedy and sketches all to be performed May / June this year.

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