Treasure Island
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Highlights
What readers are saying
Readers find Phil Willmott's adaptation of Treasure Island ambitious, especially for providing equal roles for male and female performers. However, some feel that despite its unique approach, the execution may not live up to expectations.
Synopsis
This is the first adaptation of Treasure Island with great parts for both male and female performers.
Inspired by real-life female adventurers, Phil Willmott has changed the gender of several of the central characters without compromising the spirit of Stevenson's classic novel.
First produced to great acclaim as part of London's Free Theatre Festival on the South Bank in 2005, this swashbuckling stage adaptation brings out all the comedy and adventure of this ever-popular story.
The play can be simply staged, is suitable for performance by kids and adults and can be adapted to suit a large company or a small team playing several roles.
Press Reviews
"A delightful blend of the salty and the silly"
— Independent
"Jolly, swashbuckling pantomime-like fun"
— Evening Standard
"A zany new version"
— Observer
"Ludwig invents a new spine to Robert Louis Stevenson's great story of skulduggery and gold-digging on the high seas!"
— What's On Stage
"A gripping yarn with a genuinely rough-and-ready buccaneering spirit. It flies the flag for good-old fashioned ensemble story-telling."
— The Telegraph
Characters
| Character |
|---|
Actor Two Long John Silver / Jim’s Father |
Actor Three Dr. Livesey / Captain Flint, pirate |
Actor Four Squire Trelawney / The Bailiff / Job O’Brien, pirate |
Actor Five Captain Smollet / Black Dog, pirate |
Actor Six Reverend Mainwaring / Jemmy Rathbone, pirate / Ben Gunn, pirate / Josiah Bland, pirate |
Actor Seven Jim’s Mother / Anne Bonny, pirate |
Actor Eight Widow Drews / Justice Death, pirate |
Actor Nine Bailiff’s son / Israel Hands / Blind Pew, pirate /Calico Jack, pirate |
Actor Ten Bailiff’s Son / George Merry, pirate |
Actor Eleven Inn Guest / Boy with Barrow, pirate / Ezekiel Hazard, pirate / Tom Morgan/ Cut Purse, pirate |
Actor Twelve Bristol Sailor / Billy Bones, pirate |
Additional Pirates As needed |
A Parrot |
Actor One Jim Hawkins |
Videos
Meet The Playwright: Ken Ludwig
Available Editions
Publication
Treasure Island is a British adaptation play written by Robert Louis Stevenson and published by Oberon (2014).
Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play (eISBN 9781849435987).
Community Reviews
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Buy Play
Main
Faber & Faber · 2014 · 192 pp
Digital prices may vary by region and tax jurisdiction.
Performance Rights
Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)
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