Treasure Island Review – Swashbuckling Music Is the Shape of the Ship and Bristol Fashion | stage

IIt’s all on board this Christmas with Jake Pronger and Pippa Cleary’s musical version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, starting with a storytelling festival in a Bristol pub. Comedian Jade Adams, as the landlady, welcomes us with the familiar sarcasm of her comedy ensembles: “Well, let’s get to know the room…” Eventually, the tale takes hold and time travels back to the 18th century, where 13-year-old Jim Hawkins is reimagined as a girl, played by Adrienne Caulder James, who dreams of following in her late father’s footsteps and sailing.

Fortunately for her, that’s how the story goes. Jim assembles a motley crew of sailors to search for the treasure hidden by the notorious pirate Captain Flint. Unbeknownst to them, they have been joined aboard the ship by Long John Silver (a chatty Colin Legault) and his evil group, seeking to steal the gold for themselves. This sets the stage for an adventure filled with double entenders, backstabbing, and swashbuckling sword fights.

Cleary’s compositions, with her and Pronger’s lyrics, are nothing short of a hoot. Performed by a sporting chorus of actors and musicians, the emotive tunes are inspired by sea shanties. Caulder-James has a voice like a warm mist, and her belting high notes are awe-inspiring. Elsewhere, Adams plays multiple roles in her theatrical acting debut, as a quivering outcast, Benita Gunn, who befriends the island’s singing puppet coconut.

It’s just one of many innovative creative choices by director Paul Foster, whose production is vibrant. A life-sized puppet parrot, controlled by Adams, squawks and flaps joyfully. The set, designed by Tom Rogers, unfolds to reveal a massive pirate ship, complete with lower and upper decks, cascading ropes and a ship’s wheel. We even got the chance to join in for a sing-along.

At the heart of it all is a love of Bristol. With the narration peppered with scenes from the city, and near-constant references to those in the know woven into the text, it feels like a proper local celebration. No Christmas carols here, but this adventure leaves you with a warm seasonal glow.