Review: TREASURE ISLAND, Old Rep Theatre Birmingham, November 24 2015

Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre are staging a brand new take on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale, Treasure Island, as their Christmas show this year - the first sizeable run the theatre has had since Birmingham Ormiston Academy became their creative partner. Because of this, a handful of BOA students are starring in both feature roles and ensemble, alongside several professional performers. Jam packed full of adventure, peril and musical numbers, the show has been tailored for the whole family.

The theatre's technical team have committed to dressing the entire venue suitable for the show you are about to watch which certainly sets the scene nicely and adds some lovely finishing touches; even if the pre-show entertainment in the foyer was perhaps a little intense so early. The set design, created by Jon Harris, is aesthetically pleasing with levels and adaptation to the scene throughout with Christopher Flux's lighting complimenting the physical elements. Producer and director Scott Ritchie does well to use the whole set and create the right tone for the piece; there are just a few of the less experienced performers who may have needed a little more attention but cannot be knocked for enthusiasm. Also when the entire cast are on stage delivering a piece of choreography, it seems slightly too ambitious for the space they have.

The book adaptation by Steve Eagles is true to the well-known tale but felt a little rushed in places. However, there are some witty references to Birmingham which go down well with the audience, along with plenty of pirate humour. The competent music and lyrics have been created by Steve Allan Jones but are sadly not performed to the best of their ability due to the unbalanced sound levels in the auditorium. The vocals were overly amplified and instruments less so, making it seem a little muddy at times. However, the cast executed them with huge amounts of energy and commitment and as actor/musicians are clearly multi-disciplined.

Nice performances come from Ian Crowe (Long John Silver) and Barry Shannon (Doctor Livesey) with the right amount of characterisation. The Mermaid Princess - played by Ella Vize - gave us some light relief and her vocals are superb. Adam Bailey gives a slightly bizarre performance as Beaky Rascal, whereby he puppeteered the talking parrot. His delivery of lines are on point but the physicality was a little unusual. Gianni Cantone and Charlotte Swarbrick are very refreshing as Jim Hawkins and Jesse respectively. As a company, they appear to have very good chemistry which so early in the run is commendable. Undoubtedly, the show itself will get tighter over the coming weeks.

Treasure Island runs at the Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham until 3rd January 2016.

Photo credit: John James

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