Treasure Island

On entering the theatre we were immediately aware of the foyer and bar areas having been dressed in a suitably nautical theme. What a lovely welcome for the audience as well as setting the scene for what was to come. I was certainly looking forward to seeing what a swashbuckling spoof of this well loved story had in store. The theatre was filling up quickly as we took our seats.  I had previously enquired as to whether this was a panto or drama to ensure it was entered into the correct NODA category and was advised that the Director wished it to be entered as a Drama.   On opening my programme I was made aware that this was a production with four actors playing thirty-one roles. Right from the start I realised I may be about to see something quite different and I was absolutely correct.

Sea shanties before curtain up followed by the cast, dressed as pirates and warming up the audience, was a great way to start this absolutely whacky, fast moving show.  The pace never slowed as the four actors took to the stage in their various roles.

Lisa McDonald was well cast as Jim Hawkins, immediately connecting with the audience as the narrator, while at the same time giving a terrific, energetic performance as the boy looking for an adventure. She was also Sally Starfish and, in this bang up to date version of a classic tale, Greta Thunberg.

Of all the characters played by Doug Thomas, including Billy Bones who comes to live at the pub, my favourite has to be Captain Birdseye.  From the costume, including the curly white wig and beard to the fish finger making machine, this was hilarious. Alan Grant excelled in all his roles including that of Long John Silver with a parrot named Alexa. This may well have looked like a prop parrot but, as the name suggests, and thanks to some terrific mimicry by Dan James, this was a virtual assistant parrot, propelled around the stage on the handlebars of a scooter as though in flight, and like its namesake, not always interpreting its commands correctly, to the delight of the audience. 

This of course was not Dan James’ only role. From sliding around in a mermaid costume, including up the auditorium stairs as well as frequently tugging on the hem of a lurex mini dress for the sake of modesty, he was also Ben Gunn. Marooned on a desert island, he appears to live in a fantasy world with a wife made of coconuts and a gorilla for a son and it doesn’t get much crazier than that. This actor certainly showed his versatility to great effect.

In fact all four actors gave amazing performances and were obviously enjoying every minute of being on stage.  I would imagine they must have been exhausted by the end of the run.

Scenery was good and versatile, transforming from a pub to a schooner and with a few swift moves, to a desert island. The stage hands did a terrific job and it was good to see them take a bow at the end.

Costumes were appropriate and music to accompany the script had been well thought out.  Lighting was good and imaginative.

I was pleased to be able to speak with the Director after the show and to offer my congratulations.  According to the programme, her hope was that the talented cast would bring two hours of laughter and adventure.  Well, they certainly did just that.  Well done to all concerned and thank you for a very entertaining Sunday afternoon

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