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Bristol Treasure Island: A Festive Swashbuckler!
11 Dec
Summary
- Musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel.
- Features inventive puppetry, sword fights, and rousing sea shanties.
- A warm, local celebration with a seasonal glow for Bristol audiences.
Bristol Old Vic is currently staging a vibrant musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," a production packed with puppets, sword fights, and energetic melodies that has been described as "shrieking with life." The story begins in a Bristol pub before transporting audiences back to the 18th century.
The narrative follows a young Jim Hawkins, reimagined as a girl and played by Adryne Caulder-James, who sets sail with a diverse crew in search of pirate Captain Flint's legendary treasure. Unbeknownst to Jim, the notorious Long John Silver and his accomplices are aboard, plotting to seize the gold for themselves, setting the stage for an adventure filled with treachery and swashbuckling action.
The musical numbers, with music by Pippa Cleary and lyrics by Cleary and Jake Brunger, are a highlight, performed by an athletic chorus of actor-musicians. Director Paul Foster's inventive staging, featuring a lifesize puppet parrot and an impressive pirate ship set, enhances the production's lively atmosphere. The show concludes with scenes in Bristol, weaving in local references and offering a warm, seasonal celebration.
