Treasure Island

Spot the deliberate mistake!   A great pantomime must contain good versus evil, colourful costumes, a hero and his “girl”, a charismatic Dame and daft son, usually also the children’s friend, topical and local references, comic business, catch phrases, dopey baddie assistants, slosh, and, obviously, the Women’s Institute.   Did you guess correctly?   Ben Brocker’s superb script gave this multi-talented company under the innovative and brilliant director Chris Bassett, all the tools with which to serve up this real pot of gold.

Along with Andy Rapps and his vibrant four-man (though several more instruments) band and the special routines from choreographer Catherine Blundell, this sumptuous production zipped by at a seamless and breathless pace.

This production was, in most respects, of professional standard.   The attention to detail was highly impressive.   Excellent sets – as I have come to expect at Barn Theatre – designed by director Chris himself and built / painted by dedicated house members under the guidance of Malcolm le Croisette, with a willing and immensely able stage crew, really gladdened the senses.  The ever-reliable John Chinnock on sound and Richard Grogan, likewise, on lighting with no less than four follow spot operators showcased the sheer depth of technical talent to enable these front stage players to shine so brightly.   Extremely special and brilliantly colourful costumes by Karen Durrell and Mike MacKenzie further enhanced this feast of the senses!!  Hair, wigs and make up was   again top class , courtesy of Stephanie Hornett-Johnson and Beckie Wilkes.

As for the players themselves, where do I even start!   Bestriding the stage like the theatre colossus he is was the redoubtable Bob Wilson as long John Silver complete with “salty seadog from Salcombe” authentic accent.   Polly, AKA Phil Fry - his, er, shall we say – “larger than life Parrot” – spent much of his hilarious time on stage attempting to climb upon his master’s shoulders.   And what a splendidly colourful costume he wore!   Comedy supreme and how these two masterful players milked every drop of comedy.  Clive MacTavish was  a highly impressive Dame, Mrs Hawkins no less, and “Mother” to Jim Hawkins, the principal boy role played with great spirit by Shannen Knutsen.   Beckie Wilkes played his love interest Kittie with truth and also dovetailed as Ben Gunn later on.  Long John’s gang were a wonderful tonic to watch, all of them.   They were Jack Chilcott – Seadog Sam; Robert Smethurst – Seaweed Willy; Steve Bedford – Billy Bones and Fridge;  Rick Morris – Blood Boiler;  and Sam Blackman-Gibson – Gizzard Slitter.   A motley crew and great to watch them all. An impressive Squire Trelawney, AKA Alex Campbell and his talented stage daughter Jenny played by Fern Simmons, added much to the show.   The Squire was head judge at the baking competition, shades of Paul Hollywood no doubt!

And so to the WI ladies – all of whom went to a finishing school in Weybridge – to judge by the posh accents.   Certainly none of them came from Wapping!   The whole concept of the WI on Treasure island was an inspirational delight – made even better by skilled direction and very talented players, all of them.  They were …….  Kay Sandford-Beal – Mrs Henderson;  Mandie Stronge – Mrs Parker;  Kate Ratsma -Mrs Battersby;  Andrea Oxlade – Mrs Snook;  Lizzie Mills – Mrs Carter-Brown; Tracy Jeal – Mrs Tubb;  Sophie Grace – Mrs Dodd;  and Ali  Morris – Miss Normington

There was a very prominent “Black Spot.” in this performance, but only a golden star is worthy of this supreme production.   No black spots anywhere near this production.   Simply  a performance to “treasure” and one that will stay in the memory.   TOPS, I salute you all, each and every one!

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