Robinson Crusoe at The Talisman
- Ashley Hayward
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Robinson Crusoe by Stephen Duckham at The Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre, from Saturday 20 December 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026.
Review by Ashley Hayward.
As I set out to watch the Talisman’s annual panto I was intrigued as at how a novel written over 300 years ago about a castaway who spent many years on a remote tropical island could be adapted for Christmas family entertainment. However, I can now reveal that those attending will be treated to a highly imaginative production containing all the elements of a traditional pantomime.
The Robinson in this story is played by Harry Bowser and he has a brother called Billy (Jack Ives) and they both give warm hearted performances. Their mum, Clarissa, is portrayed by Ben Ionoff and he revels in the part of the pantomime dame.
When the adventurous brothers find a treasure map they immediately set sail to a faraway island and encounter many larger than life characters all entertainingly played by the talented actors. The hidden treasure is Robinson’s inheritance and is badly needed as the dastardly banker Montgomery Moneybags is threatening them with eviction if they default on their mortgage payments. He is gleefully played by James Harris who wallows in the booing and hissing from the audience.
In fact we get two baddies for the price of one in this panto as the heroes also encounter the evil Davina Jones played superbly by Sam Harris in an EastEnders’s accent as she whips up a storm causing the shipwreck. The ship is captained by the amiable Seafaring Sam (Amy Jolliffe) and her, not very bright but enthusiastic side kick, Paddling Pete (Laurie Weston).
The love of Robinson’s life is the kindly Susie beautifully portrayed by Phoebe Dann and her performance includes some exceptionally tuneful singing. Throughout the adventure our heroes are watched over by Britannia, the ruler of the waves, entertainingly interpreted by Lauren McCann. Thankfully the ‘Man Friday’ in this story is not a subservient slave but a very posh fellow for whom Matthew Jolliffe gives an extremely energetic and humorous performance.
Throughout the production we were treated to all the usual pantomime slapstick, ad libs, and gags – some delightfully corny, others quite near the knuckle. The songs are catchy and the whole production is very well choreographed and performed by the Adult and Junior Choruses.
Mention must also be made of Chorus members Ellie Chapman who performed some neat puppetry for ‘Rodney the Rat’ and Amanda Wright who in addition to her impressive dancing skills played the Queen of the Island.
Visually the show is a joy to watch with spectacular sets including scenes on a quayside as well as on board and below deck on a ship, plus a really imaginative scene set under the ocean. The performance was much enjoyed by an enthusiastic and participative audience and I couldn’t help but wonder what Daniel Defoe would have made of it all!
NB A special ‘relaxed’ performance will be provided on Saturday 3 January at 1 pm. It is designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming experience for families or individuals with sensory needs or those that may have other visible or hidden disabilities.
Tickets are still available.https://talismantheatre.co.uk/whats-on/robinson-crusoe/
