Ahoy me hearties! All aboard for a thrilling, somewhat dark piratical adventure.
When a treasure map is discovered, what else is there to do but go in search of it? Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of mutiny , murder, and money is vividly brought to life in this thrilling new stage adaptation by Bryony Lavery, broadcast as part of the NT Live series.
It’s a dark, stormy night. The stars are out. Jim, the inn-keeper’s grandson, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in – and his dangerous voyage begins. Along the way, Jim learns loyalty, trust and friendship.
Lizzie Clachan’s revolving, collapsing, pulsating set, dominated by a semicircle of giant ‘tusks’, making one think both of a wrecked hull and the rib bones of a creature’s carcass, is glorious. When the vast ‘Hispaniola’ majestically rises up on the revolving stage – rigging looming large as a bouyant shanty rises – the effect is magnificent. And the same applies for the breathtaking galaxy of stars visible at times.
Part of the stage rose into three levels, dissecting the ship which gives the audience an opportunity to observe what happens aboard; from the Captain arguing with the Squire and Doctor about the map on the upper level, to Long John Silver and Jim working down below. By deftly rotating the stage, it becomes the mysterious underground tunnels Ben Gunn hid in.
The attention to detail was amazing .The ceiling was changed into a starry night sky, which as an effect the cameras paid particular attention to throughout. The live shanty singing by Roger Wilson and the sometime overpowering sound of the waves and storm warmly complimented the atmospheric setting, and the live music was a marvelous inclusion.
Patsy Ferran’s young Jim , who acts as the narrator, is fantastic, blending both the wide-eyed innocence and enthusiasm of a child, with the hidden bravery of a young hero. Yes, a girl plays the cabin-boy, a fiery retort to the sexism of Stevenson’s period (“It was to be a story for boys … women were excluded …”). According to playwright Byrony Lavery, this was important because had they kept to the original there would only be one woman in the entirety of the story (the mother) Ferran acquits herself delightfully and animatedly and is somewhat androgynous of appearance – quick of confident thought , speech and asides but also with startled looks at times.
There are other women included in the cast to adjust the gender balance. On the side of the good, radiant , elegant Helena Lymbery makes Dr Livesey a passionate, serious force to be reckoned with. On Silver’s dastardly team, Angela de Castro has fun as clumsy Brazilian coxswain Israel Hands.
Characters such as the Grandma (Gillian Hanna) and Squire Trelawney (Nick Fletcher) bring a rather necessay comedic levity to scenes which could otherwise be frightening, as does the frequently overlooked Grey (Tim Samuels) who becomes an unlikely hero.
Joshua James’ Ben Gunn ,with a strange yellow painted face and wild hair and eyes, was astonishing and quickly became a favourite with the audience. Although not entirely in his right mind, he proved that he was still witty and clever.
It remains however Arthur Darvill’s Long John Silver that rivals Patsy Ferran for the best performance. Even though audiences know not to trust him, you can’t help but like his character, only to be shattered by his revealing his true dark and dangerous Pirate nature in the second half. Sporting very long hair, Johnny Depp-style mo , a sort of metal prosthetic leg , a colourful frock-coat – and a parrott – Darvill ( yes ! Rory from Doctor Who! ) is virtually unrecognizable and plays the part with great relish.
Watching TREASURE ISLAND it is interesting to see how much of what we now traditionally think of as Pirates has come from Stevenson’s vision – the Black Spot, skull and crossbones, pirates with a parrot , lost treasure and a map , a lonely hidden island… And of course particularly Long John Silver himself.
Although generally good family viewing , some of the scenes were quite gory and possibly distressing to some children which shows how dark and grown up the story actually is. (Recommended for children over 10 years old ).
Overall the performance was absolutely splendid, reinforcing the traditional underlying theme that being honest and true will triumph over any evil, while still having enough twists and turns to keep it more than interesting..
Anyone for another adventure?
TREASURE ISLAND is part of the NT Live series and is currently screening at selected cinemas.
Running time is just over two and a half hours including interval
For more about NT Live: TREASURE ISLAND, visit the website – http://www.sharmillfilms.com.au/?page_id=2197