Review by: Paul Towers, 18/12/18
Treasure Island adapted by Sandi Toksvig
Lyrics by Jenifer Toksvig, Composer David Perkins,
directed by Matthew Forbes
Leicester Haymarket Theatre 13 December to 6 January 2019
“liberally littered with puns and groan-worthy jokes”
Robert Louis Stevenson’s book of Treasure Island has been
done to death and is a staple of both professional and amateur companies up and
down the country at this time of year. So it was with some trepidation that I ventured
out on a cold, wet and windy December evening to see Haymarket Theatre’s first
in-house production since its refurb.
Sandi Toksvig has taken liberal inspiration from The Play
That Goes Wrong and set this version in the final dress rehearsal of a cash
strapped production in an unspecified regional theatre. This is a genius way of
staging a swashbuckling yarn of pirates, high seas and tropical islands with
very little scenery or costumes. It also allows for lots of sly digs at less
than professional productions. There are loads of local references, not only to
Leicester but also to the fact that the Haymarket was dark for 10+ years.
The script bounces deliciously between the main story and
the back stage tribulations and deficiencies with the wit that you would expect
from Ms Toksvig. Liberally littered with puns and groan-worthy jokes there is
plenty for both adults and children to laugh at.
The main cast of 10 adults is supplemented by local children
working in three teams on different nights.
I would love to give credit to the various performers in
their roles but there is no hint in the programme of who plays what. What I can
say for sure is that the two puppets representing the parrot and Ben Gunn were
great fun and Gary Lineker’s cameo on video elicited a knowing nod to
Leicester.
This is an ideal show for all ages with original songs,
dance routines and lots of laughs.
Ideal festive fun for everyone.
Treasure Island is on at Haymarket Theatre until 6 January
2019
https://www.haytheatre.com/
First published on Western Gazette
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