Treasure Island

In the program it states that this pantomime is loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novel. That in itself is an understatement. But out of this jumbled script has emerged an absorbing theatrical production, full of colour, dance, song and mad comedy.

The Malanda Theatre Company is fortunate that it has actors who are capable of creating gold from dust. Leading the way with his wooden crutch is Jake Skukan as Long John Silver. Skukan dominated the stage in every scene in which he appeared. Wearing off-the-peg pirate attire, he dished out an avalanche of ludicrous insults, growling and bullying everyone in sight, including his stuffed parrot.

Howard Smith as Squire Trelawney, speaking with a lisp, gave another one of his excellent character performances, constantly looking bewildered and baffled as the insane events unfolded before him.  

As Mrs Hawkins, Gill Birch was in full flow, lapping up her role and showcasing her ability as a comedienne to create comedy when none seems present.

The versatile and athletic Seth Hartley, along with the energetic Lucian Adams Hume, provided much of the slapstick comedy as they followed the farcical orders of Long John Silver in their quest to find the treasure.

Kirsty Mawer as Polly the Parrot, Amelie Cockrem as Jenny Trelawney, Laura Shaughnessy as Jim Hawkins, Penny Scott as Gizzard Slitter and Catriona Arnold-Nott as Blood Boiler were all outstanding in contributing to the insanity on stage.  

Then we come to the Women’s Institute! Yes, the Women’s Institute in Treasure Island. That is how absurd the script is. However, led by the charismatic Geraldine Borella as Mrs Henderson and backed by a chorus of talented singers, the Women’s Institute blended in brilliantly with the plot. How, I’m not sure, but they did.

Some show highlights were the many rousing songs blasted out by all sixty of the cast, the amazing on-the-move ‘black spot’, the duet of ‘I’ve Got You Babe,’ the ‘dance of the ghosts’, and that catchy ABBA song.

Credit for creating a highly entertaining show goes to the directors, Gill Harrington and Amanda Albon, choreographer Kirsten Adams and musical director Bob Gaden and his talented on-stage band.

Ken Cotterill