Treasure Island

 

Exton Drama Club Presents

Treasure Island – at The Exton Village Hall

By Alan Frayn

Directed by Hilary Hoare and Chris Mason

Choreography Katie Whenman

Treasure Island – 23rd January 2026

 

We were very much looking forward to seeing Exton Drama Club’s pantomime, and we were not disappointed. This was a vivid, boisterous romp of a show, packed with humour from beginning to end.

This panto loosely follows the traditional Robert Louis Stevenson tale and, after a prologue in which we meet the rather stunning Spirit of the Seas who sets the scene, we are transported back to 1761 (ish). Here and now, Rosie Bloom runs The Puffing Billy on something of a shoestring with chef Pasty Patsy and her son Jim. They live in constant fear of the Baroness who, despite her charming demeanour, is still determined to collect her rent. Lucky then that a chance meeting with pirate Billy Flint unveils an opportunity to find some stolen treasure and change their fortunes for good. Rosie, Jim, the Baroness, and her lovely daughter Penny join forces and plan an expedition. What they fail to grasp is that they have recruited a sea crew made up of the most ruthless and cutthroat gang of pirates, run by Long Jo Sylvia herself…

The first thing that strikes you about the Exton Village pantomime is that, for a bijou stage, there is an abundant feast for the eyes. The costumes are gorgeous and well considered, and the set is fantastic, beautifully designed by Peter Cusa, spiriting us away to a picturesque harbour, complete with boats bobbing on the water and the frontage and entrance to The Puffing Billy.

As the show gets underway, the whole ensemble is on hand to sing Mistress of the House a cappella, with some lovely harmonies.

Rosie was a delightful Dame, keeping the show pacey and funny, assisted by Pasty Patsy (head chef, despite clearly suffering from some very unhygienic malady) and her son Jim. Jim was a sunny and entertaining character; the young actor brought great energy to the part, establishing a lovely rapport with the audience and exhorting them to call out “Avast behind!” every time Rosie turned her back on the crowd.

The baddies are a colourful and rowdy bunch led by Long Jo Sylvia. I very much enjoyed Frayn’s old-world language, which sounded great but must have been challenging to learn. This cast did a tremendous job, and Long Jo Sylvia’s performance was mesmerising – this was a character you couldn’t help but watch: funny and magnetic. Her inner circle of Blind Ali and Sea Snake Sally had the audience roaring with laughter, particularly Blind Ali and his antics with the eye patch. Making up the rest of Sylvia’s crew were Cut Throat Kate, Jolly Roger, and Salty Sam, all of whom added to the comedy and chaos.

There was a lovely rendition of Yo Ho Ho, sung to Oliver!’s Oom-Pah-Pah, which really showed off the vocals of the cast – again largely a cappella, adding considerable charm.

Turning to the patricians of the show, the Baroness was a delight to watch, playing a highly contained character whom nothing and no one could faze. There was a very amusing moment when the Captain collapses and she calls for a glass of water… which she then drinks herself. Penny gave an enchanting performance, particularly with her song Beyond the Sea, which was excellent, and she and Jim made a very well-matched team. I also very much enjoyed the Captain’s performance; this actor has great comic timing and kept us smiling throughout.

Eventually, the sailors and passengers do reach the island and encounter Beth, an old member of Sylvia’s crew. The sun, isolation, and lack of cheese have clearly taken their toll, and she is not entirely sane (a great performance!). With her help, however, the treasure finally ends up in the right hands and honour is restored.

This was a lovely evening and a great show into which a huge amount of work had clearly been poured. Congratulations to Hilary and Chris, and to everyone at Exton Drama Club.

This performance was dedicated to Exton Drama Club’s original Dame, Les Richards, who they sadly lost unexpectedly at the end of 2025.

Katie Jones

NODA Representative

District 8a

07831 313322

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NODA REPORTING:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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