Treasure Island, St Paul’s Church – Review

Pros: A superbly energetic and captivating performance. The overall production is beautifully designed and lets you be involved as much as you want to be.

Cons: Outside sections are weather dependant and may not be suitable for those who struggle to move around.
Treasure Island, St Paul’s Church – Review

Summary

Rating

100

Unmissable!

A wonderful show full of excitement and mystery. An immersive production that will thoroughly enjoyed by audience members of all ages.

At St Paul’s Church, in the heart of Covent Garden, Iris Theatre presents Treasure Island. It’s an immersive and interactive promenade performance that took us all on a journey on sea and shore. Even though the show is aimed at families, this production can be enjoyed by all ages. It is the perfect way to entertain your children over the summer holidays: they are able to dress up and get involved with the performance as much as they want to. Audience members were able to be part of the action throughout, even taking part in some big battle scenes.

Treasure Island is a classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson of a treasure hunt and mutiny. This production is set both inside and outside of the church; with the unpredictable British weather, we experienced a bit of rain, so always be prepared for the worst with a waterproof jacket. (If not to wear, then to sit on if the seating outside is a bit damp…) But then again, the rain added to effect of setting sail, and what’s an immersive pirate adventure without a bit of water?!

St Paul’s Church is a fantastic setting for Treasure Island. All front of house staff were very welcoming and got you involved from the moment you stepped through the gates. There were parts of set scattered around the area where we waited, which was fantastic for children to play around on before we were taken through to the church. Tucked away in a hidden corner of Covent Garden, you already feel like you’ve stepped into a different world, full of entertainment and energy. And that energy is absolutely carried through into the performance.

The sound both inside the church and outside is great; I did not miss a single line. The surround sound of a bustling bar, the workers on board a ship and the movement of the boat on the seas set the scene perfectly. All costumes look authentic and the lighting effortlessly maintained the atmosphere, both in scenes aboard and on land. The set, which starts at the front gates, is magnificent, from the beautifully textured set inside of the church, to the rugged benches and main sails hoisted outside.

The performances by all cast members are energetic and engaging. Most of the audience were captivated throughout, and I was often unable to take my eyes off the performers and the action in front of me as well. The characters are brilliant, each with their own individual flair, which is so enjoyable. The performers worked meticulously to get all ages involved, and that definitely didn’t go unnoticed. Everyone was very willing to participate, which made for a very special experience.

Whether you are a pirate or more of a privateer, this show is one you don’t want to miss. If you have children you need to entertain or are just looking for a different night out at the theatre, Treasure Island at St Paul’s Church is an experience I highly recommend.

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Director: Daniel Winder
Composer: Candida Caldicot
Producer: Tanja Pagnuco
Booking Link: http://iristheatre.com/event/treasure-island/
Booking Until: 28 August 2016