ASHLEY Barnard reviews Richmond Georgian Theatre Royal's panto for 2024: Treasure Island.
FAMILIAR faces and all the favourite traditions – such as chucking knitted items at the baddies and trying to be one of the lucky few to catch a flying Tunnock's Tea Cake – return at the annual Richmond pantomime.
This year's offering is Treasure Island, and is the first pantomime since new Georgian Theatre Royal chief executive Jo Mawhinney took the helm.
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In her directing and writing debut, Jo brings all that we have come to expect from a Georgian theatre panto – from the familiar songs, political gags, and audience participation.
There are some familiar faces in the cast too – Nick O'Connor returns to take his place as The Dame for his fourth year and delight audiences with his comic timing and quick improvisation skills.
It is also the fourth year for Marcus Jones, who has built a great rapport with Nick O'Connor during his years on the Georgian stage.
Marcus has also been nominated for a host of awards for his roles in the Georgian pantos – and this year his role of Jim Hawkins could easily be no different.
He and Georgie O'Reilly, who plays Jim's girlfriend Polly, have an easy chemistry, and his playful manner, singing and dancing skills make him a great leading lad.
Some audience members may recognise Georgie from her days in the Youth Company of the panto, or performing with Richmond Operatic Society – and it's great to see a local actress moving up the ranks to her own leading role. She makes for a warm, engaging lead and is at ease on the stage.
Newcomers Susie Chaytow and Moses Gale, who play baddies Long Jane Silver and her son Billy Bones, provide some excellent comedic moments.
Susie Chaytow also managed to display her top-class saxophone-playing skills and excels as a villain with a twinkle in her eye.
Moses as Billy Bones is delightful as the baddie-turned-good, and his scene with Jim Hawkins attempting to fix the ice cream machine is one of the funniest in the show.
Another notable moment includes the end of the first act during a rendition of Take That's Rule The World – I won't spoil the surprise but it had the entire audience mesmerised.
This year's knitted character to throw at the stage was a variety of ice creams and lollies, a nod to The Dame's role as an ice cream van owner.
The crew's adventure to Treasure Island comes about as she is due to be evicted from her pitch – I forget how they get their hands on the treasure map, but as is often the case, these plot points aren't necessary to enjoying the show!
A mention must go to musician Jack McGarry, who as well as being the drummer to accompany musical director Josh Payne on keyboard, also played a hilarious, if completely random, Peter Pan.
Don't worry if you find the inclusion of Peter Pan in Treasure Island confusing – so does The Dame – but we all delighted in just going with it for a gloriously riotous pantomime ride.
