“Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum” . . . RGS Sets Sail for Treasure Island!
One could almost taste a salty tang in the briny air and imagine the sound of sails billowing in the breeze as the audience made its way to the Performing Arts Centre for the latest RGS Drama extravaganza. Ahoy There and Shiver me Timbers! With The PAC brilliantly transformed, first into the Admiral Benbow Inn, then The Hispaniola and then, finally, a faraway land where heaps of golden bullion lay in wait to be discovered by those brave enough to seek it, it could only be Treasure Island. So, with not a landlubber in sight, the audience sat down in gleeful anticipation of a fantastic evening’s adventure and swashbuckling. They were certainly not about to be disappointed.
Robert Louis Stevenson’s ripping yarn was brilliantly brought to life by a young cast of actors and technical crew from the Lower School. Directed by Mr Garrity, the whole production was packed with energy, humour and fun. There were also darker moments of gripping drama. The play had narrative balance and compelling dramatic interest the moment we hauled anchor. What a delight it was to see a new generation of RGS actors take to the stage at the beginnings of what will be, no doubt, hugely successful careers on stage at School.
It always seems unfair to single out particular performers, but those with larger roles will always, of course, stand out. On different nights, both Lilah Morgan and Eva Davies were spirited and plucky in the role of Jim Hawkins. Amy Higgins brilliantly created a Long John Silver who was chillingly cold and calculating. Esme Ammonds and James Clarke worked exceptionally well as the sensible and dependable Doctor Livesey and the more naïve and gullible Squire Trelawney. James, as Trelawney, got some of the evening’s best laughs and brought the Squire vividly and amusingly to life. Both Lilia Parker and Alice Benbow excelled as funny and endearing grandmothers. Matt Jermy got the play off to great start as Billy Bones and a host of other pupils really added to the pulse and energy of the play as sailors, pirates, musicians and supporting cast. It was great to see so many young performers on stage, all given the chance to show off their talents. There were several very effective large-scale ensemble scenes where sea shanties were sung in the round. There were also some exciting and brilliantly choreographed fight scenes, where Matt Jermy and Raushan Nandra showed off their stage -fighting sword skills with aplomb.
The scenery was imaginative and convincing and the music and effects throughout enhanced the compelling drama on stage. Mimi Paul and Nicole Penlington performed perfectly a set of ballads while the scenes changed. As any captain knows, a ship is only as good at its crew and, behind the scenes, the fantastic lighting, music, costumes and make-up were the work of talented Lower School pupils. All were expertly overseen by Mr Garrity and Mr Graeme. Special mention should go to Mr Garrity who also adapted the script from the original tale and did a superb job condensing the story and transforming it for the stage.
What a superb way to round off what has been a very busy year of exceptional quality for all those involved in School Productions! There have been some amazing performances this year; this was certainly one to treasure.
Mr Nick Phillips, Head of English