Have you ever walked along a perfect beach on a Caribbean island and noticed the glitter of diamonds breaking through the surface of the white sand, catching the evening sunlight? No – we haven’t either, but at the Henfield Theatre Company (HTC) we are all set to portray the dreams of Squire Trelawny and his mates who have a map that promises to lead them to buried treasure beyond their wildest dreams.
Yes, pantomime is back in Henfield and what a scorcher it is set to be! It is, perhaps, a far cry from the original Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson but the essential elements are all there. Long John Silver and his gang of pirates have their glass eyes on the treasure of course. However in order to compete with Squire Trelawny they find themselves needing to enlist the help of the ladies of the Smugglers Cove Women’s Institute as well as a couple of bumbling old sailors (Willy and Sam)! Not ideal for the pirates but it has hilarious consequences for the audience! Jim Hawkins the principal boy soon falls in love with the Squire’s beautiful daughter and they get caught up in the adventure to retrieve the treasure. Jim’s Mum (the Dame) and Polly the pantomime parrot add colour and hilarity and are sure to be a big hit with children and adults alike.
Evening performances will start at 7.30pm and there will be a matinée on both Saturdays at 2.30pm. As usual the production will have a live band. Come along to either of the matinées in pirate fancy dress and prizes will be awarded to the children with the best costumes. Loads of pirate goodies will also available to buy for pirates of any age! Get your tickets and enjoy the fun – this one is really going to have the aaarrrr factor!
Don’t miss it or you might be given… the Black Spot!
Martin Love, Henfield Theatre Company
