Treasure Island

This production was predestined to be a success from the moment rehearsals started because the audiences were thrilled to see live theatre again and the cast were thrilled to be providing it. We were definitely provided with an evening of high energy colourful and well executed songs and dances. The production was well cast, well directed with a good pace maintained throughout and the production should be congratulated for that.

Every pantomime needs a good dame and Darrell Burns (Ma) certainly made the most of the opportunities that this script provided. He had the audience in the palm of his hand with the use of his voice and facial expressions to enhance much of the story in addition to the words. The romantic interest was provided by Vinnie Catchpole (Jim Hawkins) and Sammi Thomas (Jenny Trelawney). They worked together very well as both of them displayed fine singing voices and well-honed acting skills. Pantomimes also need someone as a target for hisses and boos and the target for them was the very capable Andy Nicholls (Long John Silver). It is amazing what some people do for their art as Andy was replete with a wooden leg. He strutted his stuff and led his motley band of pirates admirably. Much of the humour in the story was provided by the duo of Ed Mitchell (Seadog Sam) and Christopher Urwin (Seaweed Willy) together with the trio of Leo Wright (Blood Boiler), Gizzard Slitter (Ryan Spencer) and James Hogg (The Fridge). All of them developed amusing characters and maintained throughout the performance. Well done for that. They did have a force to be reckoned with in the form of the local Women’s Institute ably led by Alison Gough (Mrs Henderson), Charlotte Chambers (Mrs Parker) and Ann Parker (Miss Normington). The pirates didn’t stand a chance with this formidable trio leading their members. I like pantos with a ‘running gag’ and this one had the very talented Sarah Mitchell as Polly the parrot who was frustrated on not being allowed to sit on Silver’s shoulder. A clever interpretation of the shipwrecked character, Ben Gunn was that he was a photographer. This gave the talented Neville Leedham who played him the opportunity to lead the company in a rousing rendition of ‘Flash, Bang, Wallop’. There was good support from several chorus members who kept popping up in a variety of roles. There was confident singing from all the principals and chorus with excellent support from the musicians in the pit with Sharon Guy at the ‘helm’. The choreography was inventive and well executed. Colourful costumes added to the success of the evening as did the technical support for lighting and sound. Congratulations to everyone involved! It’s good to be back!    

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