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What do you get if you cross an old map, fortune seekers, pirates and a talented group of young thespians? Why, Treasure Island of course, and for two rip-roaring nights in early May Wellington’s Annenberg theatre played host to a blood-curdling production of R L Stevenson’s epic high seas drama.
Jim Hawkins, our hero, was brought energetically to life by the talented Tessa FW, his youthful exploits retrospectively narrated by an older and wiser Jim, intelligently played by Sofia T. Morgan D as Squire Trelawny was all fluster and aristocratic bluster, while Arlo F-M’s Long John Silver portrayed both menace and compassion. Noah O-O was a compelling Ben Gunn, and Ella G provided moments of gravitas as Doctor Livesay.
Arguably though, the real stars of the show were the assembled cast of pirates and civilians whose expertly choreographed scenes gave the production an ongoing sense of movement and intrigue. This was a show that literally had it all: moments of tenderness and fear, counterpointed by thrilling fight scenes and pyrotechnic wizardry. As Claire Anderson said: ‘from the first rehearsal there was magic and I knew this cast was going to be a brilliant team to work with’ and under her expert and imaginative direction nearly 60 actors from the Third and Fourth Form gave enthusiastic audiences a show to remember. Treasure might indeed be ‘devilish hard to find’ but you didn’t have to look too far to find real gold in this star-studded production. Congratulations to them all!
