Treasure Island

Director/Choreographer Claire Payton What a blast!

From start to finish your team did you proud.  Your talented players took their audience on a wonderful evening of silly salty shenanigans. I’m sure that most of us went to bed smiling as they reflected on this evening of fun.

Familiar with the book of Treasure Island, but not the panto, I had little idea of what to expect.  I was repeatedly pleasantly surprise by its novelty – particularly the WI pirates. From the impactful opening with ‘Our House’ to the closing ‘Dance with Me Tonight’ I was transfixed by the committent of your players – a reflection of their trust in your direction and their fellow players.  It was an ‘ah..’ moment to hear the ‘little ones’ chatter to the cast; the uproarious water-fight that was fought across the audience was side splitting. Your cast did not to let the energy drop, and that spoke volumes about your direction.  Congratulations.

Musical Director / Choreographer - Lucie Nash: it was great to hear - and see - all the songs sung so well. Mrs Hawkins - John Dennis: well done, super comedic actor you wear it well! Jim Hawkins – Gemma Conway – super principal boy – convincing – a favourite with the small lads in the audience. Great voice and on the ball…Jenny Trelawney – Emily Doye – very strong and sure footed – excellent actress and vocalist. Seaweed Willy - Joseph Rowlstone and Seadog Sam - Edward Evans - the comedic duo were well matched with their incidental goody/baddy banter. Long John Silver – David Manser-Mullin – was exemplary in his peg-legged ‘baddie’ role.  He worked every syllable of his pirate dialogue!  How he managed to maintain his mobility under the circumstances was a miracle.  I’m sure David will never forget playing this part – and he can rest assured that his acting will be legendary among his audience!  A panto leg-end! His scraggy and depleted Pirate Crew were funny and sweet – as they should be.  True panto pirates overjoyed by the possibility of copious cake in the future! I do hope they and their newly press-ganged shipmates – the WI Crew – sail off into a happy, confectionery filled future…  What joy!  

And – all made real by those pulling the strings, dimming the lights, cueing backstage, tweaking the sound, designing the set, selling the tickets and giving prompts if memory fails. Everyone one in the Lindley Players’ team – you gave us all a great night.  Thank you all

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.