Treasure Island (London Mermaid Theatre’s musical version)

This is a great holiday show for the whole family. The R. L. Stevenson story has been a classic for almost 130 years, the Mermaid Theatre musical version a favourite since 1973.
Beenleigh Theatre Group has done it proud: strong leads, rollicking choruses, a nice sense of nonsense to dilute the tension, and with two acts in two hours (including interval) it falls inside the attention span of their target audience.
The plot revolves around Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver. Director Sally Daly made inspired choices: Dylan McLean and Nate Seip (both eleven) alternate as Jim. I saw Nate (I’m assured Dylan is equally good): strong presence, confident singing voice with good articulation and a real match for the lovable rogue Long John Silver who towered over him physically (as he traditionally ought). Cameron Elvin, with a strong baritone voice and towering presence, ticked all the boxes here.
Splendidly supporting them were: Brent Schon (Black Dog/Ben Gunn), Gavin Drogemuller (Blind Pew/ Captain Smollett), Kevin Doyle (Squire Trelawney), Ian Johnson (Dr Livesey); and a roistering scurvy crew of buccaneers who, I’m sure, Hal Shaper (lyrics) and Cyril Ornandel (music) would have applauded. Their robust choruses in Benbow Inn, Spyglass Inn, Shipmates Partners and Pals, Never Get Caught and the Finale will send you home singing.
Plaudits to Shane Daly as Musical Director for this.
Likewise to everyone involved – they all seemed to be enjoying themselves so much it became infectious.
Jay McKee

Photo: Jim Hawkins (Nate Seip) with the Pirates