Treasure Island at the Maddermarket: a fantastic romp

How do you retell a tale told so often at this time of year, by a multitude of different theatres across the country, full of tired stereotypes and a confusing ensemble? With skill, grace, and humour, answers the Norwich Players; their new production of Treasure Island delights and entices us into a world long forgotten.

The incredible world-building is what Director Sabrina Poole, and her technical team, do best. The costuming on this production was absolutely outstanding, with the most minute details of earrings, scarves and gloves attended to with great care. Each character was given their own distinct look that aided our understanding of character in such an ensemble-based piece, and the costumes rivalled anything at the National or Theatre Royal. This show also fit wonderfully into the Maddermarket’s space, with the set design, also by Sabrina Poole, complimented skilfully by the balcony and pillars, immersing the audience in an atmospheric underworld of piracy and deception. Even the sound design added to an incredible cohesion and quality of the piece, with a live accordionist and a cast full of incredible voices littering scene changes, despite the fact this was not billed as a musical or pantomime.

The cast managed a brilliant and diverse set of characterisations that ensured the show maintained interest and entertainment throughout. Naomi Cunningham shone as the well-meaning but naïve Jim Hawkins, putting the audience at ease with her lively narration and brilliant portrayal of a young, ambitious dreamer. Monty Jordan’s Long John Silver struck a careful balance between evil and likeable, ensuring the show did not stray into panto territory, instead portraying believable deception and manipulation of the young Jim’s desires. Another standout performance came form Tristan Pike as Ben Gunn, whose appearance in Act 2 breathed new life into the production; a hilarious yet heart-breaking depiction of a forgotten crew member. The running gag of Grey (Dean Bramwell) was a hilarious addition to an already humorous script, and was received extremely well by the opening audience.

The Norwich Players’ Treasure Island is a fully immersive and gloriously vibrant evening of entertainment, full of fantastical wonders of pirates, deception and most importantly – treasure. Playing until 3rd January, grab your tickets here: https://maddermarket.co.uk/event/treasure-island/