Heatwave or not, London is not the Caribbean – but walking half an hour through the midday heat from Victoria Station across the river Thames to the Arches Lane Theatre a few stone throws away from Battersea Power Station in late July can bring out holiday feelings and a strong yearning for an ice lolly and a cold drink. Luckily, the theatre bar and its very welcoming staff deliver both, and that – given the area – reasonably priced. The theatre’s windows are decorated with drawings from young visitors, celebrating Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Treasure Island, a novel first published in 1883… admittedly I am most familiar with the Muppet take.
Thick As Thieves’ adaption aims for audiences four years and older and was written by Open Bar Theatre tornado Nicky Diss who – I’d like to think – delivers Shakespeare to pub gardens all summer across England once again. After a very sweet, engaging but unforced welcome, three actors, apologies, pirates bring adventures, shanties and laughter to an audience where children are welcome to sit on pillows in the first two rows and adults on comfortable chairs above them. Perfect. The humor? Also not too panto – nice., after all its summer.
Above us rattle trains, on stage we navigate seas, mysterious maps and board politics along an ever character changing cast (“where did his leg go?”). Most likely, not every audience member will know the words “mutiny” or “truce” but who cares? The story moves on amongst threatening black spot, rum spillages, cheeky parrots, Jolly Rogers and very creative palm trees (might get some). Because of course my theatre gang of mini reviewers collectively needs a wee midway this no-interval, hourlong performance, we miss the part of when we are throwing alu rocks on stage but land back at its finale at a very shiny, unexpected treasure which makes everyone gasp.
Compliments to the crew afterwards in the foyer. Rum optional. We leave with a big smile, arrrrrring with hooked index fingers and the urge to go on a boat. And indeed we spontaneously board the Thames Clipper an hour after leaving the theatre. The pier is only a few steps away but there was lots to discover around the area before and then a long queue because plenty of folks had the same idea. But that’s what you do in London in the summer when you are by the river, right? Shiver me timbers!
**** out of 5 stars
Thick As Thieves’ Treasure Island based on RL Stevenson’s Treasure Island, has been written and directed by Nicky Diss and produced by Thomas Judd. Treasure Island is being performed at the Arches Lane Theatre until 16 August (Thursday to Sunday at 11am and 2pm). Tickets from £10
By the way, pirate costume is encouraged!
Sadie takes the Stage 