This charming re-telling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, set in Leith and Orkney, by Duncan McLean, directed by Wils Wilson, is a festive, yo ho ho version full of pratfalls and piratey humour and will appeal to a Scottish audience. More of a ceildhe than a play, there is also Orcadian-style music composed by Tim Dalling, both recorded and played on stage by the talented cast on strings, accordian but also an inventive array of instruments including gongs, bells and jew’s harp. There is much to recommend.
A festive, yo ho ho version full of pratfalls and piratey humour
Starting off in a Home for Reformed Pirates, Slim Jean Silver has a puffin, not a parrot, and is played with a villainous glint in her eye by the disabled actor, Amy Conachan, in a wheelchair and Jim Hawkins (Jade Chan) also a gender swap.
Alex Barry’s set is superb, economically evoking a ship with ropes and tackle descending from the ceiling. A step-ladder becomes the foc’scle as the cast chase each other round the set. It’s non-stop action. Sadly a bit samey, though Act 2 ramps up with a terrific storm, a flapping sheet the mains’l and later a shadow screen to show a momentarily frightening pirate, who turns out to be Ben Gunn (Tim Dalling), a brilliant cameo, full of much humour about cheese. Humour is the hallmark of the show. Nothing too scary for the weans. The star is the puffin, a delightful character, designed by Sarah Wright and manipulated with great skill by Dylan Read.
