Treasure Island

All photos: Mike Kwasniak

Review by Russell Cook from Suffolk Village Info.

If you’re looking for a fun filled two hours of entertainment then look no further than Eastern Angle’s show stopping panto: Treasure Island.

It’s an absolute tonic … and perfect for all the family. A wonderful, often hilarious adaption of Robert Louis Stevenson’s well known novel … but this one has a few more twists and turns.

Staged at the company’s Gatacre Road, Ipswich site - and also to be shown at the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge in January - the heroes and heroines go on a voyage to the lost town of Dunwich.

Yes, you’ve guessed it - it’s got that really local feel to it as their vessel, the Hispaniola, travels up the coast from Ipswich.

All the familiar characters are in this particular production, including Jim Hawkins (portrayed by Chileya Mwampulo) who finds a treasure map and embarks on a perilous voyage to find buried pirate treasure on an island in the North Sea close to the Suffolk coastal village.

The story follows Jim as he encounters a crew of pirates, including the cunning Long John Silver (Emma Zadow who doubles up as Jim’s grandmother) who is also after the treasure, leading to a journey filled with mutiny, betrayal and danger. Oh yes it is!!

It’s a great festive production with all the necessary sketches associated with this time of the year.

You can join in the singing and clapping, and roar with laughter at the many one line jokes and comic settings dotted throughout the show, especially when Ben Gunn emerges from the depths in his makeshift diving suit complete with a huge bell helmet.

The whole cast link up brilliantly as they take on the various roles.

Along with Chileya and Emma, Charlie Venables takes on the roles of Billy Bones, Captain Smollett and Ben Gunn, while Georgina Liley, who also picks up the accordian in some scenes, is Squire Trelawney, Pew and Captain Flint.

These four main characters are supported by Long John Silver’s mini three man crew of either The Jolly Roger set of Barbara Skorczak, Dexter Patrick Samain and Helena Reilly; or The Black Pearl trio of Freddie Boy, Kim Hahn and Penelope Thurston; or The Flying Dutchman three of Georgina Makey, Fern Smith and Mia McLellan.

A really fun night and so well produced and staged. It truly is a show which will brighten your Christmas and New Year spirits.

Treasure Island is at Eastern Angles, Ipswich until 3 January

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE

Also showing at Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge on 7 - 10 January 2026. Click HERE for details.