Treasure Island

I’m fairly sure that when Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Treasure Island, he never envisaged it like this! Ben Crocker has taken this classic work of literature and turned it into a very funny Pantomime – it may surprise you but it works really well. So, congratulations in selecting a new script, which although refreshingly different, had plenty of the old tried and tested panto favourites with which the Menston audience is so familiar.

Mrs Hawkins, was only Matt Hardin’s second appearance as Dame and I’m sure he has a great future in a frock. He certainly had the audience in his grasp from the off. And it’s the first time I’ve seen an Australian Dame?
Sarah Lee played Jim Hawkins, the son who falls in love with the Squire’s daughter Jenny Trelawney (Claire Wright Paget), both parts played with charm and sincerity, their songs sung with real feeling. And they must have had the quickest “falling in love” scene in panto.
Rob Gillett-Place as Squire Trelawney captured the character, playing the part with obvious skill and experience.
Nick Howell as Long John Silver took command of the stage as soon as he made his menacing entrance, along with his motley crew of Blood Boiler (Mike Waring) and Gizzard Slitter (John Ealden) 
The two stooges were very entertaining and made a great pair who interacted well with the audience with Charlie Birkett as Seadog Sam and Ruth Birkett as Seaweed Willy.
Sally Hughes as Mrs Henderson of the WI (yes, I did say WI) led her ladies with enthusiasm and aplomb.
The undoubted star of the show was Marj Inman as Polly the parrot, with her constant desire to sit on Long John Silver’s shoulder. From her very first entrance and throughout the show she had the audience in stitches. Fantastic comedienne.
Sarah Hobson, as Ben Gunn, and Ellie Cox, as Kitty completed the lineup of principals.

At this point, I would normally commend the chorus for their contribution to the production, but I’m not going to !! This wasn’t a chorus as such because every single one of them was an individual named character, whether as a pirate, a dancer  or as a member of the WI. And this group of youngsters contributed as much to the overall production as did the principals. I have never seen such an all round talented team – the future of amateur theatre in Menston is in good hands.

The Musical Direction was under the expert control of David Boddy, and what a delight to see and hear a 4 piece band instead of the usual drums and keyboards. There was a varied choice of music ranging from Jerusalem to the Spice Girls. The choreography, under the direction of Laura Emsley,  was first class and utilised the talents of the cast
For a small venue, the lighting and sound was imaginative, timely and effective. So congratulations to Rob Finlay and Steve Gillet-Place. It was also impressive what the Stage Manager, Gavin Birkett and his team of set builders, managed to achieve with limited space available to him. All of this was enhanced by the props of Vicky Hannah – I was delighted to see a full treasure chest, rather than a few trinkets.
Finally, and by no means least, massive congratulations to the person who brought all this together, the Producer, Steve Gillet-Place. I gather from the programme that this is Steve’s fourth year directing the pantomime – it’s easy to see why he keeps getting asked back if this is the quality of production he delivers.

This was my first visit to Menston Thespians, and I certainly hope it’s not my last. Heartfelt congratulations to all concerned. The treasure was found! The baddies reformed, and everyone lived happily ever after! ( well, until next year). This production certainly hit the (black) spot and the audiences went out Happy and content. What more could anyone want ?

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