NEWS: Buckle-up me 'arties, as Bolton transforms into Treasure Island this Christmas!

Octagon Theatre Bolton presents Treasure Island

Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book by Kate Ferguson

Music & Lyrics by Susannah Pearse

Directed by Tim Jackson

Festive fun for all the family in this rip-roaring new stage adaptation of the classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold!

Directed by Tim Jackson this new musical adaption of Treasure Island by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearse is sailing into the University of Bolton Stadium in the Octagon’s annual festive production from Thu 5 to Sat 28 December 2019.

A fearsome cast of 6 talented actor musicians, alongside 2 teams of 12 talented young people will help us set sail on our jolly way in this fun-filled family adventure bursting with music, mutiny and a talking parrot!

Grownups never pay attention to children like Jim Hawkins. Stuck working in the family Inn, Jim is longing for adventure…could this be the day something exciting finally happens? When Jim meets a mysterious seafaring gentleman, adventure calls and it looks like there might be gold on the horizon. But once they set sail, things start to look dangerous. Will Jim and her friends escape from a gruesome gang of pirates and make their way back to dry land with the treasure?

We are thrilled to announce a cast of Octagon newcomers including Ami Okumura-Jones ( Eastenders, Midsomer Murders) who will be taking on the role of the feisty Jim Hawkins and Jack Lord ( West Side Story, Royal Exchange Theatre, Kes, Leeds Playhouse, Warhorse, National Theatre) who will playing infamous pirate Long John Silver. Joining them is Henry Bauckham ( Autobahn, Angel Theatre, Hamp, The Lost Theatre Company) as Ben Gunn and Billy Bones; Ebony Feare ( The Winter’s Tale, National Theatre, Babe, Mercury Theatre) as Captain Smollett; Heather Phoenix ( Much Ado About Nothing, Northern Broadsides, Deep Water, ITV) as Doctor Livesey and Ben Simon ( Electrolyte, UK Tour, Wildcard) as Squire Trelawney.

A young company of 24 young people from Bolton will be playing several roles throughout the production including a gang of gnarly pirates.

Tim Jackson will direct this new production by the Octagon Theatre following widespread success as a director, choreographer and musical director and comments on the production: “I am delighted that we’ve assembled such an exceptional cast, who’l be donning the boots of Robert Louis Stevenson’s much loved characters. This fantastic new British musical stays true to the famous novel, whilst injecting lashings of laughter, music and plenty of ‘ooo-aarghs’! Our talented actors will be busy singing, dancing and puppeteering, all whilst playing several instruments and multiple characters! Add to that an inspiring young company of dastardly pirates, a spectacular venue, and some classic Octagon sparkle and we have all the ingredients for a sensational, swashbuckling adventure for all the family.”

Treasure Island will run from Thu 5 December – Sat 28 December 2019 in the Premier Suite at the University of Bolton Stadium.  Tickets are from £26 - £15 with morning, afternoon and evening performances – find out more from the Octagon Box Office on 01204 520661 or at octagonbolton.co.uk. Suitable for ages five years and over.