TREASURE ISLAND: till 17 April

Coventry

TREASURE ISLAND: Adapt Neil Bartlett from novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
Belgrade Theatre
Tkts: 024 7655 3055
Runs: 2 hrs, one interval, till 17 April
Review: Rod Dungate, 1 April 2004

Wonderful commitment to this classic tale, grown-up entertainment for young peopleIt's marvellous to see the Belgrade committing its main space to a work for young people at this time of year. And committing itself so seriously too.

Neil Bartlett's adaptation of Stevenson's novel never plays down the emotional levels; indeed emotion is often heightened with music. There is a true sense of the frightening around some of the nastier characters too though it never gets out of hand. We must be careful judging a work like this not to see it only through our adult eyes. I was sitting surrounded by a large group of 6 8 year olds out on a birthday treat; they watched throughout the two hours in complete, total, absorbed concentration.

The story is really in two parts. The second, the happenings on the desert island, moves fast, is mostly action. The first part, the build up, moves more slowly. It is pitched perfectly at the young audience who listen to the story as it unfolds, to the discussions, they watch relationships build. In other words, experiencing and learning how theatre works; and having a terrific time.

Kenny Ireland is spot-on as he paces his production. Antony Eden's Jim Hawkins gives us a fine feeling of sixteen year old without talking down to us. Tom McGovern has great presence as Dr Livesey while Peter Holdway is just scary enough as Long John Silver himself. Much to be admired too is Irene Allan's Ben Gunn a well balanced mixture of mad, eccentric and humorous.

The combination of Tim McQuellen-Wright's effective and uncluttered sets and Robin Carter's lighting adds much to the atmosphere of this engaging production.

Jim Hawkins: Antony Eden
Dr Livesey: Tom McGovern
Squire Trelawney: Bob Barrett
Long John Silver: Peter Holdway
Black Dog/ Dick Johnson: Scott Brooksbank
Israel Hands: Andy Cresswell
Mrs Hawkins/ Ben Gunn/ Dirk: Irene Allan
Blind Pew/ Captain Smollett: Clive Kneller
George Merry/ Hunter: Maurice Yeoman
Bones/ Tom Redruth/ Morgan: Alexander West
The Parrot: Diana Eden

Director: Kenny Ireland
Designer: Tim McQuillen-Wright
Music: Matthew Scott
Lighting: Robin Carter
Fights: Alison de Burgh
Sound: Steve Wilson
Video: Dave Muir, assisted by Nora Wardell

2004-04-02 10:10:22