There’s still time to set sail with Red Rose Chain for a swash-buckling adventure full of pirates, parrots and hidden treasure.
Treasure Island, Joanna Carrick’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless tale, runs at The Avenue Theatre, Ipswich, until January 2.
Jim Hawkins braves the seven seas in search of Captain Flint’s legendary buried treasure. Along the way he meets the marooned Ben Gunn, mysterious Long John Silver, his talking parrot and his madcap ship-mates.
“I thought something high-energy and swashbuckling would be fun! I love adapting books and Stevenson was a fascinating man with an imagination which transcended his circumstances,” says Carrick, adding it’s a classic tale with something for all ages.
“Jim is a young lad who manages to triumph over the experience and treachery of the adults around him. There’s a great story and lots of hilarity along the way. It’s a Treasure Island like no other. It’s a really crazy, fast-paced show. It was a rollercoaster ride to write and the rehearsals have been an absolute creative joy.”
The three-strong cast of Joel Macey, Claire Lloyd and Ryan Penny play several characters with lots of physical, fun, songs and puppets. The idea, says Carrick, was to create an antidote to these troubled times.
“It’s a couple of hours of pure Christmas escapism. The most gratifying of all is to be in the theatre listening to the sound of children and adults laughing and joining in.”
Lloyd says it’s been great exploring different characters and voices and pushing their boundaries.
“Being from Plymouth, we often are said to sound like pirates,” adds Penny. “So it’s a pure joy to be able to really let rip with my native accent. It’s been incredible.”
It’s their first time with the Ipswich-based company.
“They do such great work in the community and shows here aim to include and engage all ages and groups, including the most vulnerable. The Ipswich audiences have been very supportive and we have already received great feedback on the show,” adds Lloyd.
Macey is a Red Rose regular. It’s always nice to come back, especially at this time of the year.
“It feels like spending Christmas with family which is all you could wish for. It’s brilliant to performi this mad show every day. It’s interactive, engaging and fun – you won’t be bored.”
Next for Red Rose Chain is a special new interpretation of The Importance of Being Earnest at The Avenue Theatre in March and April. More on that soon.
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