Treasure Island

A banner across the poster on the gates at the car park, stated that the performance was sold out.  In fact, I was told by the Director that the whole run had been very successful, including an additional performance this year.   The society certainly does know how to put on a good panto and word had obviously got around.

The rousing opening number in the Benbow Inn including barmaid Martha played by Lyndsey Millington, got things off to a good start and from then on the pace never dropped.  There were some very good performances, including Kate Featherstone as Fairy.  I loved that she was dressed in pink satin with a leather jacket and mobile phone whilst still having the traditional wings and a wand. Kate has a strong singing voice and her solo was very well sung.

Suran Jayathilaka, sporting a blonde bob, looked amazing and made an excellent Ma Hawkins, forever fluttering her eyelashes at Squire Trelawney, to whom she was in debt. The Squire, although well played by Stuart Savill, was a rather lecherous character.  His innuendos came thick and fast, often accompanied by suggestive movements.  These would most likely have gone over the heads of the children in the audience, but I did wonder how they would be accepted by parents and young adults, in the current climate.  From what I can tell, there was no need for concern. Everyone appeared to be laughing and having a good time and after all, the script was licensed by NODA!

Good, confident performances by Toby Cowell and Alex Phillimore-Brown as Pirates Brass and Knuckles.  These two young actors obviously enjoyed being on stage and they certainly made a good double act as well as connecting well with the audience. Well done!

An energetic, enthusiastic performance by Reuben Cowell as Jim Hawkins in search of adventure and well done to Lyla Bird as Felicity Trelawney, the Squires daughter and Jim’s girlfriend.   

Andy McMillan as Long John Silver was saved the problem of having to hop around on stage by a cleverly painted ‘wooden’ leg.  Polly his human parrot was nicely played by Ruby Petch, well costumed in feathers in parrot colours. I would like to have seen her sitting on stage facing the action so she could have reacted in parrot like fashion.  As it was she did seem rather disconnected at times as she sat swinging her legs while waiting for her cue.  Not her fault of course.  I’m sure she was only doing what she was told to do. Chloe Mosby was obviously enjoying playing Captain Corker’un especially when she revealed herself as being female.

When our ship load of characters reaches the Treasure Island we discover that the treasure has been spent by none other than Robinson Crusoe, as played by Matthew Squirrell. He is living a life of luxury with Girl Friday (Tina Battleday) plus a companion for every other day of the week, after being dropped off from a cruise ship 8 years ago and has no intention of being rescued.

There were so many things to like about this panto.  Good unaccompanied singing and an excellent hornpipe dance with brooms, on the deck of the Hispaniola. A slow motion sword fight and a very energetic version of What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor. I must also give a mention to Steve Dunn who did an excellent job as the Beard Seller. This was hilarious.

With a chorus of adults, and children who were obviously enjoying being on stage, this was a very good family panto.

Scenery, from the opening number through to the finale and including the deck of the ship, had been well designed and constructed. Scene changes we well carried out with little or no interruption to the pace. There were some good lighting effects and sound was good and well balanced. 

The nightclub finale, with a shimmering gold backdrop and Matthew singing It’s Not Unusual, made sure we left wanting more.

Well done NATS on another lovely panto. Thank you for inviting me.

 

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