The Eastern Angles Christmas show is a beloved local tradition, known for its irreverent humour and regional twist on classics. Their production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Treasure Island is trading the Caribbean’s sun-drenched sands for the misty, legend-haunted coastline of Suffolk in a Voyage to the Lost Town of Dunwich.
As always, the production is not just a panto alternative; it’s a brilliant fusion of swashbuckling adventure and cheeky East Anglian charm, a treasure chest of inventiveness that genuinely captivates the whole family.
From the moment the lights dim, the small, intimate space transforms. With Eastern Angles’ trademark clever staging, in their tiny theatre is less a stage and more the deck of a rolling, creaking ship. I’m always blown away by the levels of creativity within such a small space, and it only adds to the magic.
The narrative thrust, the famous search for Captain Flint’s buried gold, is given a potent local anchor by setting the action near Dunwich, the lost town said to have been swallowed by the waves. This Suffolk twist elevates the adventure, lending a poignant, almost gothic mystery to the journey that most traditional pantos lack.
The four-strong cast are, as always, the engine room of the show. With the energy of a full crew, they multi-role with seamless, hilarious dexterity. One moment, the captivating Emma Zadow is Grandma and then the dastardly Long John Silver,delivering the villainous quips with a captivating, roguish twinkle.
The delightful Chileya Mwampulo as Jim Hawkins is perfectly played with a necessary mix of wide-eyed innocence and burgeoning courage, anchoring the show’s emotional heart amidst the chaos of mutinous pirates and talking parrots (in this case, a well-executed piece of puppetry).
The amazing Charlie Venables and Georgina Liley had three characters each to juggle, which they managed with ease, as well Georgina playing a few instruments. When I say there were no outstanding performances this is because they were all outstanding.
Alongside the main crew are the youngsters from the community theatre and youth workshops who have real parts and melt the hearts of the audience.
As always, what truly sets Eastern Angles apart is the music and humour. Forget generic pop; the original songs are catchy, cleverly woven into the plot, and full of regional references that drew the most appreciative chuckles from the Ipswich audience.
The production manages the difficult feat of feeling both epic and intimate. The innovative use of simple props and dynamic sound allows the audience to visualize everything. You’re not just watching the adventure; you’re practically sailing the high seas with them. You can see the expressions on their faces and the twinkle in their eye, it truly draws you in.
Treasure Island offers something far richer than a traditional shouty panto, it’s a festive adventure built on brilliant storytelling, exceptional multi-rolling, and a deep, infectious love for the East Anglian landscape.
Treasure Island is playing until 10th January with performances in both Ipswich and Woodbridge. For more information go here:
Photo Credit: Mike Kwasniak
