Treasure Island is arguably one of the greatest works of storytelling in the English language. It developed from an imaginary map that Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne had devised on holiday and this goes some way towards explaining the book's appeal among children. The tale is the archetypal nineteenth century ripping yarn, set in the “golden age of piracy.” Our narrator is Jim Hawkins, son of a guesthouse owner on the west coast of England sometime in the early eighteenth century. To the inn come firstly an old buccaneer who has a map of Captain Flint's treasure, and secondly a group of pirates under the command of ominous blind man Pew. Jim Hawkins, in an act of bravery and cunning, gets hold of the map before this rabid mob gets it. He delivers the map to Squire Trelawney, and together they set off for Treasure Island in the Squire's schooner. The rest of the crew, apart from Dr Livesey, are selected by Long John Silver. The latter and his men try to mutiny and get hold of the treasure themselves but Jim intervenes and through a series of enthralling adventures we find ourselves on Treasure Island with the marooned Ben Gunn and ever closer to the treasure itself.

The auditorium of the Rose is changed into a pirates' paradise (set design – Paul Wills) complete with treasure map, anchors, boats, fishing nets, ropes, and a treasure chest. The floor is transformed into the ocean by the beautiful lighting (designed by Ben Ormerod) and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. There are many cheerful seafaring songs in the show including What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor, 15 Men on the Dead Man’s Chest, The Good Ship Hispaniola, and the highly addictive tune Treasure Island Bound which set the right mood for this great swashbuckling adventure.  There are good performances throughout - Harry McEntire plays an endearing Jim Hawkins, Richard Bremmer convinces as the charismatic Long John Silver, and Daniel Goode provides the comic element of the show as the hilarious but touching Squire Trelawny.

This show is great fun and a Christmas treat for the whole family!         

11 December - 9 January
Tickets £7 - £29.50
Box office: 0871 230 1552
© Rose Theatre - Kingston 2008. 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL