Review by Josiah Hilbig
The 1812 Theatre’s production of Ken Ludwig’s Treasure Island, directed by Erin O’Hare is a wonderfully thrilling adventure as the young Jim Hawkins suddenly finds himself thrust into the midst of conniving, backstabbing pirates all while searching for the greatest bounty of treasure in the world.
Anastasia Swadling plays an exceptional Jim Hawkins, and her impressively youthful energy of the lead character is matched only by her sorrowful melancholy. It’s an impressively deep portrayal of the character that feels alive with excitement in highs and pulls at the heartstrings in lows.
Swadling’s exuberant innocence is expertly paired against Felix Green’s devilishly cunning charisma as Long John Silver. Green commands the stage with his presence in every scene, and the depth of the character’s complicated emotions is so carefully revealed in perfect doses for the audience’s slow revelation.
They are supported by the honest warmth of Hannah Sleeth as Dr Livesey, the commandingly firm strength of Chris Isaac as Captain Smollett, and the cartoonishly comical farce of Matthew Flint as Squire Trelawney, alongside an assortment of pirates and villagers played well by James Banger, Rebekkah Wilde, Liv Carlisle, Molly Simons, Daniel Parton, Castiel McIntosh, and Andre Ayton.
Standout performances include Daniel Parton’s portrayal of George Merry, the conniving foil to Long John Silver, and Chris Isaac’s portrayal of Black Dog, a brutishly violent pirate. Parton does well to match the sly cunning of Green’s performance with his own unhinged rage that boils precariously to the surface, while Isaac captures the audience’s imagination from the very first scene with his particularly fearsome performance.
Most of the cast play multiple characters, and their ability to very convincingly swap roles between scenes is well supported by the costume work of Jayne Ruddick, Brigitte Thompson, Sarah Sundstrom, and Bella Unsworth, which is suitably convincing for each of the characters.
Perhaps O’Hare’s greatest limitation for the direction of the show was simply the size of the stage at the 1812 Theatre. It’s unfortunate that gunfights felt too intimate and swordfights felt restricted and stilted. Still, as per the 1812’s usual reputation, Amy Walker and O’Hare, as set designers, have created an impressively functional set which seamlessly serves not only multiple levels of a ship, but also a tavern, a jungle, and more.
The lighting by Robin Le Blond and sound by Tom O’Hare and Erin O’Hare are both seamless, and serve to enhance the play without distraction or compromise.
Overall, it is an excellent performance that honours the script with care and attention, and congratulations are due for O’Hare, the cast, and the crew.
Treasure Island is now playing at the 1812 Theatre http://www.1812theatre.com.au
