★★★★

This review may contain spoilers.

The familiar pirate adventure from Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel, Treasure Island, is retold by Hannah Khalil and directed by Orange Tree's (OT) Natasha Rickman in a refreshing young take of the journey to a lost treasure.

Made up of 18-25 year-olds from the OT Young Company, some of which making their stage debuts, radiated energy and vigor which you would expect from greedy pirates and budding actors under the direction of Natasha Rickman.

It was apparent that every actor from OT's Treasure Island bought into the pirate adventure from the mains down to the supporting cast, particularly Taz Rahman and General Gordon (yes, the parrot) who entertained despite very few lines.

Treasure Island at Orange Tree Theatre (credit: Steve Gregson).

The experienced Musical Director, Paula James, was fantastic in mixing the classic rum-shanties and modern sounds with Ben Gunn's 'cheese number' easily becoming one of the most memorable parts of the play.

Alongside the colourful sounds came the carefully choreographed movements from Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster which made the actors utilise every inch of the OT's stage, making it feel like a bustling pub in one scene to a hectic pirate ship in the next.

All of the actors were from the OT Young Company (credit: Steve Gregson).

advertisement

Aside from the story's focus on finding Captain Flint's long-lost fortune, the touch on the historical and contextual significance of pirates Mary Read (played by Ferah Jennela) and Anne Bonny (played by India Rissik) gave the play fresh talking points about two female figures sometimes overlooked.

Bonny and Read were some of the few recorded female pirates in history, but both are widely regarded as key figures from the 'Golden Age of Piracy'.

OT's Treasure Island left me craving an epic adventure with a side of brie. To find out more about Orange Tree Theatre and its upcoming productions click here.

Orange Tree Theatre is a sponsor of Richmond Nub News. Without sponsors our Richmond online newspaper would not be possible. Thank you.