Treasure Island

Treasure Island written by Ben Crocker is a swashbuckling adventure that tells the story of how Jim Hawkins (played by Lucy Giles) falls instantly in love with Jenny Trelawney the Squire’s daughter (played by Ffion Owen) and the hunt for hidden treasure. There was so much packed into this pantomime that it is really difficult to mention everything and everyone.

The show started in the Admiral Benbow and introduced us to the residents of Bristol.

Alice Hearn gave a lovely cameo performance in the role of Kittie and Tim Nicholson gave some sinister darkness in his role as Billy Bones, before he was killed off by Seaweed Willie played by Tyler Smith, by being given the black spot. A doctor called up from the audience confirms that Billy has died and a treasure map discovered. Which was just the start of the adventure. I did feel that it took a little time for the residents to get up to speed with the energy required for a pantomime but I didn’t have to worry because as the show progressed the energy levels skyrocketed leading us to a rousing finale.

Richard Bray as Mrs Hawkins (The Dame) was great fun to watch and provided some great ad-libs to engage with the audience, along with multiple costume changes, including an outfit from the beach of ‘Baywatch’. Callum Jinks played a squire with much hilarity, especially once he appeared fully kitted out in pith helmet and shorts. Praise to the costume team for all of the costumes that had been begged, borrowed and made, I liked the level of detail including the ‘Navy’ pockets on the dames dress.

In this production the ladies of the Women’s Institute headed up by Mrs Henderson played by Angela Bray only add to the chaos, especially in the baking scene which is infiltrated by the Pirate Crew, disguised as ‘ladies’. Not to fear, the ladies get to dress as pirates and get onboard the Espanola to set sale for the island after a day trip to the Bristol Docks.

Long John Silver was played by Josh Rawlinson-Smith and headed up the pirate crew. It wasn’t long before he had the audience booing and hissing. His motley crew were indeed a variety of characters, I especially liked Ben Leach as The Blood Boiler, John Smith as The Gizzard Slitter and Mark Gray as The Fridge. They all provided strong and varied characters. Make-up for all of the pirates was good and the hollowed out eyes and unshaven faces did make a big difference to the overall look.

Of course Long John Silver needs an exquisitely colourful parrot (Polly played by a Peta Smith). The double act of both was great to watch and the long running joke of sitting on Long John Silvers shoulder was kept maintained throughout. Peta was great as she sung and squawked her way through the audience and took time to scare the adults but reassure the children.

Of course on top of this we had the chorus who made up the residents of Bristol, the Pirate rabble ensemble and the residents of Treasure Island.

This pantomime had all the requirements that make up a great panto with plenty of fun, slapstick, swashbuckling, double acts, ultraviolet Ghosts, a dame, a squire, the love interests, a large chorus and in this version the addition of the local Women’s Institute!

The obligatory sing along was very enjoyable led in the verses by Seadog Sam (Jennie Dunn). Split Notes provided the music off stage under the guidance of Jason Davenhill (who according to the Dame had the script) and the onstage band ‘Hullabloo Ruff House Rhythm’ was head up by Dick Allen. There was a great variety of music and some very familiar tunes that had the audience taping away especially on this particular evening with the theme to ‘Captain Pugwash”, add in sea shanties, He’s A Pirate, music from Tom Howe and It’s all part of being a pirate (a song from the Fishermans Friends) and musical arrangements to introduce some part singing.

Sound and lighting was good, however I did struggle to hear some of the quieter principal singers. What I was able to hear sounded lovely but the performers needed to project more, which I am sure will come with more opportunities to perform and greater confidence.

The evening was a flurry of fun, enthusiasm, energy, characterisations which all delivered a very happy and enjoyable show. The whole cast enjoyed their performances and in turn had the audience smiling, singing and clapping along.

Well done to Clare Nicholson and Catherine Marie in their directorial debuts which has seen a year of planning to deliver an excellent and fully packed panto.

The evening however has to go to two key performers Richard Bray and Josh Rawlinson-Smith who embodied the variety of skills required to deliver well rounded and fun pantomime characters, whilst keeping the momentum of the story in full flow.

Thank you to everyone involved both on stage, behind the scenes and front of house.

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