Treasure Island

The ‘ye olde’ scripted words of Treasure Island were projected across the curtains with numerous beams of bright blue lights filtering from the edge of the stage was a great start. Then the booming sound of the wonderful ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ pulsated round the hall. Black Hill Cove, the pirates' hideaway, then we entered the drinking hole of Rosie Bloom and son Jim to start a treasure hunt adventure.

Robin Nolan was the unseen pirate announcer of dos and don’ts was heard at the start, the interval and the end – with Tim Nolan writing the voiceovers and direction from Melanie Bradley in N Wales. The eerie Lighthouse Keeper’s voice was that of Hayden Bradley. The wonders of technology! The rhyming script of the storyteller was beautifully delivered by a confident young Amelia as Spirit of the Seas, dressed in layered aqua shades holding a sparkling trident. A drunken Billy Barnacle characterised so very well by Kim Olsen, doubling as a crew and chorus member, reveals there is a map leading to a chest full of treasure. Plans and plots are afoot when Sheila Ross as a salty Sea Snake Sally and James Perkins as Blind Ali with his eye patch, made a great pirate comedy duo. Add main protagonist rogue pirate Long John Silver to the mix, and with his fine powerful performance from Chris Priest giving Johnny Deep a run for his pieces of eight, skulduggery was inevitable. A very splendid pirate's costume of maroon and black, and a gold rimmed tricorn, a natural beard and hair beads and the ‘wooden’ leg looked effective. Working with the children notable cameo scenes were performed with his three chirping parrots played by Tilly, Haley and Tahlia -  delightful - and the young pirate mutineers in their red bandanas reacting so well.

The  colourful innkeeper, Dame Rosie Bloom appeared in voluminous frocks, knickerbockers under, and caused much laughter with her vast behind that we shouted out on entries was created by James Harper – a dame with a bright blue beard! And a dab hand with a cleaning cloth. Catherine Sales as Jim, Rosie Bloom’s helper son, was cheerleader of the audience, becoming cabin boy on board the Golden Venture. Aria in a golden dress was Jim’s love match and was the Squire’s daughter Penny, much to his disapproval. But as in pantos all ends well with Robin Smith as The Squire looking resplendent in his black and gold trim tunic, white frilled collar and tricorn and of course relenting. The Smuggler’s Inn with jolly drinkers, chorus lassies in mob caps who became great little pirates, and deck swabs with Claire Dowdeswell as Potty Patsy the cook of very dubious Cornish pasties and fish pies! The trio of trainee pirates sporting skull and crossbones t-shirts enjoyed learning the trade – Isobel as Salty Sam, Ethan as Jolly Roger wielding his cutlass and Cut-Throat Kate portrayed Izzy. In command of the Squire’s  Golden Venture was upstanding Captain Mullet complete with buttoned uniform naval topcoat, white wig and hat was Brannan Cowley who firmly stood his ground at the helm.

Tropical islanders danced in their grass skirts, namely Charlotte, Holly and Gracie in true Hawaii style. Marooned ‘Says you’ ‘says I’ - Barmy Ben in his shorts and sandals was convincingly played by Mike Headling.

This was a colourful, well-dressed panto by the costume ladies with the addition of a large collection of appropriate props – even 3D pieces of eight. The sets were first class and the use of projected backdrops looking so professional. I particularly liked the hull of the ship with its name across it. On board deck was well finished with rope rigging and even cannons depicted at the side. You could feel the heat of the tropical island, and wooden beamed houses of the village somewhere near Bristol. As well as the effective use of space including the central aisle, the co-ordinated movement of the cast, the swashbuckling direction, Mike was also responsible for the music   A good mix of numbers, solos, duets and ensemble work obviously well-rehearsed. The audience enjoyed singing along with actions:  ‘A Pirates Life for Me’ with word prompts on the circular screen at the side of the stage which was also used to name various locations. A slick rhyming finale with thoughts of ‘A Summer Holiday.’ You know the technical side with Eliot and Tim in charge of  the special effects, sound and lighting will be exciting, and finished with plenty of paper confetti. The stage crew kept a tight ship, and we had a smooth voyage.

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