By Philip K Smith. Directed by Philip K Smith & Cyn Kimble
Director’s Notes
This all new, epic version of Treasure Island was another home-written joy for all concerned, both on and off stage. Featuring a mammoth cast of pirates, cannibals, hand-maidens, chimpanzees, underwater creatures and principles, with a script that originally looked as though it would run for four hours, this was one of the most ambitious pantos staged at Upham!
Summed up on the front page of the website, the description that drew full houses to three performances ran thus:
The dastardly Long John Silver has a treasure map to untold riches and, if it wasn’t for the lack of an important piece of it and a decent cook for his ship, he’d have long ago collected it. Perhaps Captains Simon, Louis, Danni and Cheryl can organise some sort of cook’s talent competition to find a replacement for the last one who met with an, err, unfortunate accident? Could this be Dame Hettie Hawkins’ big chance at culinary fame?
Meanwhile, what does Mad Dan know about the treasure map? Who are the mysterious Doctor Watt and Nurse Rose who plan to smuggle themselves on board Silver’s ship? Can brave Jack Hawkins save the day? And will Chief HooHooPaPa get a laugh from his name alone?
