It's a swashbuckling adventure with Rugby Theatre!

The Pirates are plotting! Gemma Kettle, Suzanne Swan, Emily Stafford and Longjohns Silver Simon Burne. Photo by Martin Pulley.

Treasure Island at Rugby Theatre from 23 January to 1 February 2026. Written by Michael Read, directed by Emma Bright.

Review by Ann Evans

Ahoy there me hearties! Rugby Theatre have set sail on the high seas with a swashbuckling adventure to Treasure Island. And determined to find Captain Flint’s buried treasure are Nanny von Tripe and dashing hero Jim Hawkins. But they aren’t in for an easy journey with baddie Longjohns Silver just as determined to get his hands on the gold and jewels.

Victoria Gillias (Jim Hawkins) and Ella Knight (Elizabeth Trelawny). Photo by Martin Pulley.

Simon Burne as Longjohns Silver soon got the audience booing as he and his trio of equally mean pirates plotted against our heroes. Hook (Gemma Kettle), Sparrow (Suzanne Swan) and Morgan (Emily Stafford) took on their roles as cutlass wielding pirates with gusto.

Victoria Gillias played our thigh slapping hero Jim Hawkins perfectly with lots of contact with the audience and a lovely singing voice – especially in a duet with the girl of his dreams, Elizabeth Trelawny (Ella Knight). Mind you, until Liz Trelawny glanced up from her mobile phone you didn’t hold out much hope for a budding romance! But as in all good pantos it was a happy ending.

Steve Bradnam as Nanny von Tripe. Photo by Martin Pulley.

Even Dame Nanny von Tripe (Steve Bradnam) got a man at the end – odd job man Steve (Michael Read) but whether they found the buried treasure – I’d better not give away any spoilers. Although I think you might guess!

Daniel Singleton as Buckles. Photo by Martin Pulley.

John Trelawny (Jayde Dankaro) played the distinguished financier with style, and manning the ship are Captain Smallhat (Natalie Clements) and his lively crewmember Mr Arrow (Rosie Fuller). Joining them for the adventure is Billy Bones (Senga Veasey) often in disguise, and of course the colourful Buckles (Daniel Singleton) who also has a great rapport with the audience.

Captain Smallhat (Natalie Clements), John Trelawny (Jayde Dankaro), Rosie Fuller (Mr Arrow). Photo by Martin Pulley.

The rest of the team of sailors include former Leicester Tigers player Rob Field, making his debut on the stage rather than the rugby field, Deita Hubbard, William Jones, Daniel Jacks, Emma Napper, Melissa Whiffin and Laura Wells, whose sense of fun and enthusiasm was second to none.

Sarah Tolchard as the Spirit of the Ocean. Photo by Martin Pulley.

Guarding them all on their journey was the Spirit of the Ocean, the magical Sarah Tolchard and the on board entertainment was delightfully supplied by the dancers of the Carrie Bianco Stage School who were tremendous – my favourite routine being the underwater dance with its clever backdrop, lighting and effects – a reminder that this entire production was a huge team effort. Assisting the director Emma Bright was Assistant Directors Kevin Bright and Caroline Knight; also Musical Director Matt Watson and the live band.

Some of the dancers from Carrie Bianco Stage School. Photo by Martin Pulley.

Great team spirit from all the backstage people having created the scenery, the lighting, the make-up, wigs and excellent costumes; not forgetting the front of house people too!

As for the audience on opening night, many really got into the spirit, turning up in pirate hats sporting blow-up parrots, and eager to boo, hiss, cheer and shout ‘He’s behind you!’ as all good pantomimes expect.

Captain Smallhat stands up to Longjohns Silver and his pirate crew. Photo by Martin Pulley.

Treasure Island – not exactly as Robert Louis Stevenson originally wrote it, but adapted by Rugby Theatre into a fun-filled family panto! There are a few tickets still available.

For tickets: https://www.rugbytheatre.co.uk/show/treasure-island/