Review: Robin Hood Theatre Company’s hilarious adaptation of Treasure Island at Averham Theatre is not to be missed
REVIEW: What do you get when you combine singing and dancing pirates, Play Your Cards Right, and Greta Thunberg?
An absolutely hilarious romp of a show by Robin Hood Theatre Company!
Treasure Island is the company’s 2024 December production, and has young orphan Jim Hawkins who seems destined to spend his days serving drinks in the inn belonging to his cruel aunt Agnes.
Suddenly the door slams open and in strides infamous pirate Billy Bones, who leaves Jim in possession of a mysterious treasure map.
Soon, Jim finds himself on board The Jolly Todger (not forgetting the rowing boat, the aptly named Little Todger!) after winning the ship in a game of Play Your Cards Right, and sets sail on the high seas for a mysterious tropical paradise named Treasure Island.
It soon becomes apparent that his companion, one-legged Long John Silver, is not to be trusted — will Jim find the treasure and make it home safely?
Jim encounters plenty of similarly zany characters along the way, with the nine actors playing dozens of roles including Silver’s parrot called Alexa — because she came from the Amazon — a mermaid, pirate ensembles, fish under the sea, a stranded hermit, and his monkey ‘son’, and all of these costume changes between characters were done seamlessly and very professionally.
Hats off to all of the talented cast who all bring so much energy and humour to the roles and for pulling off a hilarious show that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The contemporary references to current affairs will go down well with audiences of all ages, and with slightly more adult humour than your traditional pantomimes, will cater to a much wider audience.
If you’re looking for a fun, frolicking play that has the fun and silliness of a pantomime without the cheese and typical panto tropes, then set sail for Treasure Island — I hope you arrrrrrr planning to go as you won’t be disappointed!
Treasure Island will be performed at the Averham Theatre until Saturday (December 14), with performances at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday matinee. Tickets are available from the website at www.RHTC.co.uk or by calling 07733 179986, and cost £14 or £12 for members.
