Treasure Island

This show has now closed, click here for a listing of current and future London shows

Previewed from 7 November 2008, opened 17 November 2008, closed 10 January 2009 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket Theatre in London

A major production of Ken Ludwig's new stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island in London starring Keith Allen as 'Long John Silver'.

"A racy, pacy, tough as old boots adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's swashbuckling 1883 classic" The Daily Telegraph

This production of Treasure Island in London, which features a live band on stage, is directed by Sean Holmes with designs by Lizzie Clachan, lighting by Paul Anderson, music by Tom Haines and Ross Hughes and sound by Emma Laxton.

Ken Ludwig is internationally known as a playwright. His work includes the award-winning book for the Gershwin musical Crazy for You and the award-winning plays Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo.

"Invests a gripping yarn with a genuinely rough and ready buccaneering spirit" The Daily Telegraph

Please note that Treasure Island is recommended for children 5 years and older.

The cast for Treasure Island in London features Keith Allen as 'Long John Silver' with James Atherton, Mark Bagnall, Tony Bell, Paul Brennen, Matt Costain, Estella Daniels, Branwell Donaghey, Howard Gossington, Dermot Kerrigan, James Lailey, Michael Legge, John Lightbody, Mark Theodore and Sharlene Whyte (casting subject to change).

"It flies the flag for good old fashioned ensemble storytelling" The Daily Telegraph

"There's much to admire in this spirited and darkly inventive new version of the adventure classic, directed by Sean Holmes. The adaptation, by Ken Ludwig, sticks closely to the original, so you get plenty of Stevenson's rich and salty dialogue... The action sequences are terrific, too, particularly the dangling from ropes." The Sunday Times

"Tom Haines's original music for Treasure Island occasionally bubbles up into a brief chorus, but matters piratical off the coast of Somalia made this scramble for buried treasure look like a pedalo outing... The hearty cast persevere with the aid of many ropes and barrels to navigate Ken Ludwig's faithful if hefty adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale. But for all the aerial choreography and gunfire, the default position is for characters to stand in a row and shout their lines at the audience." The Independent on Sunday

"Ken Ludwig has pulled off something remarkable with his new stage adaptation of Treasure Island. Together with director Sean Holmes, he has made Robert Louis Stevenson's exciting book look dull... Keith Allen, who plays Long John Silver with a great leather strapped leg, stubble and geezer gusto, supplies far and away the best moments in this part-panto part-play. Everything else limps along with him." The Observer