Treasure Island

It is always a pleasure to visit the delightful Attfield Theatre in Oswestry. There is always a warm welcome before making your way upstairs to the auditorium.

I have previously referred to the display of NODA awards which audience members cannot fail to notice. The small corridor leading to the auditorium always forms part of the performance. On this occasion a display of wanted posters.  

Treasure Island was of course written by Robert Louis Stevenson and was published in 1883. This adaption written by Bryony Lavery premiered at the National Theatre, London in December 2014.

From my resent visits to The Attfield Theatre my initial thoughts were what will the set be like? My experience has told me that the set would be well constructed and this was no less true on this occasion. Items on stage were moved with great efficiency to portray different scenes. On board the ship was wonderful complete with rigging, sails and the sides clearly depicted. Whoever designed and built the set must be congratulated.

Director Debbie Jones worked with a large cast consisting of 19 people. I understand rehearsals were offset at times by illness and a storm on the day of dress rehearsal resulting in many missing it.

Most of the cast were young with just a few roles played by older members of the group.  The enthusiasm of all was evident throughout. The space on stage was well used and there was effective use of the auditorium for some entrances and departures.

The characterisations were good by each person and detail had been given to people’s stance whether that of a pirate or a professional / member of the nobility. Each actor had clearly understood the character they were portraying which had been developed in the rehearsal room.   

There were times when projection was not as clear as may have been desired especially if sound effects were in the background at the time. This was a shame as the acting throughout was effective. I am sure however with a group of young people this will develop with experience.

The stage sword fighting was well rehearsed and effective.

To conclude this was another not to disappoint production by The Attfield Theatre performed to a full house – well done.

The rest of the 2024 -25 season continues in March with Veronica’s Room followed by Bedside Manners in May 2025.  I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.  

Andy Brown Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands

NODA – For Every Stage

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