Theatre Reviews by Phyl Romeril for Local Guardian
Wadham Players Theatre Group – Treasure Island

What a treasure this show turned out to be, luckily the unkind weather was dormant for the open air production of Treasure Island at Willow Cottage. It may have been damp underfoot but nothing, not even the constant drone of aircraft from Stapleford aerordrom could dampen the quality of Michael Michael’s production of this family classic.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale of pirates and buried treasure was entertainment of the highest quality. Fantastic sound effects, lots of atmosphere and superb costumes. This edition adapted by Bernard Miles, Peter Coe and Josephine Wilson in the outdoor setting at Curtis Mill Green, had a formidable cast of experienced and familiar local talent.

Lee Ocsko delighted us as Jim Hawkins, Bob Gray was well to the fore as Anderson and Andy B dominated with a crystal clear  performance of Long John Silver. A definitive creation of Ben Gunn from Chris Millington added extra polish to the production. A number of ladies, (this being an all male narrative) played Pirates and Treasure seekers with a swagger equivalent to each of the characters they represented. Rose Floyd was a most successful Captain Smollett, Keith Cummings had class as Squire Trelawney and Mark Simons ably performed his duties as Dr Livesey.

Those who died in battle died with honour and we really felt genuine movement on board the ill fated Hispanola. Bob Gray manipulated the ship’s wheel, a creation of David Mason, with masterly perfection. There were no passengers in this show, it was animated and was clearly spoken with lots of improvised input from all concerned. It was directed and produced by Michael Michael, Lighting and Sound was by David Mason and Christopher Powell. Fight arranger was Dominic Kincad. Costumes were designed and made by Christine Powell.