TREASURE ISLAND

Treasure Island – Willand Theatrical Society (WITS)

Performed Thursday 16th February 2023

Director – Graham Sessions

Co-Director – Elizabeth Sessions

Musical Director – Alan Gage

Artistic Director – Philly Wood

Costume Designer – Alison Harris

Stage Manager – David Stock

Treasure Island, a classic pantomime and cleverly adapted by the director, Graham Sessions, was the choice of WITS this year. 

This traditional pantomime, with a few added characters, created a very entertaining, lively and humorous production which, at times, had the audience in stitches. 

As soon as the curtain was raised, a colourful painted cloth was seen and a rousing chorus of “what shall we do with a drunken sailor” from well costumed pirates.  Billy Bones led the mayhem amongst the pirates as they merrily imbibed their rum. 

Mrs Hawkins was a formidable presence on stage, holding the audiences’ full attention at all times and admirably supported by her son, Jim both coped brilliantly with a very wordy script. They each gave solid performances and sang well, particularly Jim’s rendition of Stars which was melodic, strong and emotive. 

Blind Pew made comical use of his cane when interacting with Long John Silver who gave a strong, commanding performance and Jim who sang an accomplished version of “I am a pirate king” from The Pirates of Penzance. They were well supported by their band of cut-throat pirates, Short John Brass and Black Dog both strong performances; Israel Hands and Aereal Hands complimented each other well, one being an able-seaman, the other, not-so-able, very funny indeed.

Squire Trelawney  delivered her lines with aplomb and at times was reminiscent of Miriam Margolyes along with Dr Liversalts’ comic timing, with such great lines as “It’s a mole! You’re lucky it’s not a badger”. 

All were enthusiastically supported by the ship’s cat, Pilchar, Dolly, Molly, Holly and the nasty pirate crew members of Cut Throat Cathy and the “drunken sailor” Ahab, 

I have to make special mention of Ben Gunn, the sailor marooned with the treasure many years before, who gave the audience a mad, nutty, wacky, side-splitting depiction of this castaway. 

Overall, this performance of Treasure Island had many clever touches. The script was funny with many double entendres and well thought out jokes such as “I was covered in crimson paint… I was marooned!” 

An eclectic choice of music, from sea-shanties to Madonna touches by Long John Silver and Rod Stewart’s “We are sailing” all well handled by the actors under the experienced baton of Alan Gage.

The costumes were exceptional, especially those of all of the pirates. A hilarious twist to this pantomime was Polly Trelawney, who was unveiled at the end as a very tall, pink feathered, parrot and not the female love interest of Jim, as we all assumed her to be. 

The set was simple but effective and colourful. The clever use of projection in Act 2 while all are on board ship was impressive and bought a unique depth (excuse the pun) to those scenes. 

A very well done for the programme.  It was colourful and interactive with the audience in that, unfolded, it revealed an activity page for the younger members of the audience. 

Overall, with good sound and lighting throughout the production, WITS provided their audience with a well-produced, enjoyable, entertaining pantomime. They deserved the cheers and reaction of the audience they received and on their first night. Well done! 

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda (Mid and East Devon)

 

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