The Drama Department put on a spectacular production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Taking on their biggest challenge yet, the contemporary version of the popular classic was performed each evening from Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 February, putting the actors through their paces. Combining award-winning playwright Bryony Lavery’s hilarious script with an ambitious changeable set, Shiplake’s very own folie artist team and a group of shanty singers, the production was exciting and action-packed, thrilling audiences across the week.
Lavery’s script turns the stereotypical ‘boys’ adventure’ story on its head, with an exciting and fast-paced script that offers variations on Stevenson’s original, without deviating too much from it. The unfalteringly enthusiastic cast brought the dynamic script to life, with equal parts hilarity and innovation, reminding the audience of the resourcefulness of children. The incredibly detailed and realistic set design helped to convey the scene, and Nicola Sutherland and James Dallas’ hard work was very clear. The audience couldn’t fail but be impressed by the effort and end result. The boys' costumes were also spectacular; the level of detail was outstanding.
The play opens with four groups of Lower School pirates running onstage, performing a hakka-style pirate ‘dance’! Performed wonderfully with an abundance of cut-throat actions and growling (think: ‘arr me hearties!’) the audience were immediately thrown into the topsy-turvy world of the pirates. Joe Perry as the Storyteller then took the spotlight, with his endearing portrayal of a narrator who couldn’t spell. Each performance was spellbinding; Callum Theodorou’s version of Jim Hawkins was outstanding, with a large number of lines delivered eloquently. Josh Williams, acting as the senile Grandma Hawkins, had comic timing down to a T; donning a wig and a dress was no reason for embarrassment for Josh, as he wholeheartedly embraced his role to hilarious results. Charlie Bradshaw gave a fantastic performance as Squire Trelawney, remembering a large number of lines and dominating the stage. Grog-loving Bill Bones, self-named ‘the Captain’, is played by Robbie Cartwright, who had perfected his rough pirate accent and drunken appearance. The suave and charming Dr Livesey was played by Josh O’Hare. The terrifying Blind Pew, played by Josh Shortland, graces the stage in a long black coat reminiscent of the grim reaper, who delivers the ‘Black Spot’ to the Captain.
As well as the 'landlubbers', the rest of the pirate crew were just as captivating in their performances. Marcus Brown as Long John Silver very much looked the part with his dreadlocks and facial hair. His parrot, Flint, was played expertly by Tom Nike- not an easy role by any means! Finn Wallace’s portrayal of Dick the Dandy is fabulously flamboyant, living up to his name and enthralling the audience. Fergus Keogh took on the role of Ben Gunn; in the final scenes of the play, as he is trying to survive on the island, he seemed to be going crazy. Fergus expertly displayed this by repeating words and talking in the third person, wringing his hands and pacing the stage. The play struck the ideal balance between of comedy and sword-fighting, which made it an absolute pleasure to behold.
Matty Fitzgerald, Robert Whitfield, Matt Greenham and Luke Mullin, did a fantastic job as the folie artists, providing the backing tracks and ‘live’ computer sound effects, encompassing the audience in the world of the play. Head of Drama and Director of the play Mrs Jenny Nunes commented that ‘the boys put their heart and soul into the performance, with such enthusiasm for the roles. It was a difficult play to take on and we all enjoyed the challenge; I’m grateful to the cast for their hard work and for all of the people who helped out in the more ‘invisible’ ways; our front of house volunteers, sound and lighting team and programme organiser, to name a few. And of course, thank you to our wonderful audience members, who came and supported the plays!’
