Jayde Adams, a parrot puppet and director Paul Foster in rehearsals for Treasure Island | Photo Johan Persson
We're thrilled to have had the pleasure of director Paul Foster with us in Bristol for the last few months, bringing together all the complex and brilliant elements of this brand-new musical. It's a very special Bristol tale, but don't take our word for it - let's hear from him...
When I was asked to direct this musical version of Treasure Island, I was excited for two reasons: the opportunity to help shape and develop the adaptation by the talented team of Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, and to work at Bristol Old Vic.
The famous adventure story begins and ends in this seafaring city. Hearing the seagulls caw in the air outside the theatre each day has certainly added to the atmosphere!
Heading in to rehearsals in King Street also had the bonus of passing the very tavern believed to have been the inspiration for the Admiral Benbow Inn in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel. Our designer Tom Rogers has embraced this nearness – as you leave the theatre, take a look across the road at the 350 year old Llandoger Trow pub. Perhaps you can imagine Jim Hawkins and her mother opening its door to a stranger with a secret…
I want to salute the labour of the actor-musicians who make up our hardworking company. They’re like heptathletes in a way – playing trumpets, piccolo, accordion, guitars, drums, violins and bass, to name a few of the instruments helping to tell our tale. They have become a tight-knit crew as they accompany each other in the sea shanties, the “I want” numbers, the work-songs and the ghostly yarns which narrate the voyage to find Captain Flint’s treasure. Sarah Travis (a West Country woman herself) has orchestrated this sparkling score for Bristol audiences and we hope your toes will tap and your hearts will lift as you follow local girl Jim Hawkins on her memorable quest.
It’s a genuine pleasure to invite you aboard the Hispaniola with the warmest of welcomes, “Ahoy There, Mate!”
Paul Foster, Director Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure
