27/02/2026
A glowing review from our show last week!
Treasure Island The Panto (written by Alex Jackson Pantomimes & Co directed by Ian Newell & Zac Hurle)
Resonance Theatre Group have done it again! - and this time they’ve sailed boldly into uncharted waters with their pantomime take on Treasure Island, adapting a script by Alex Jackson. What could have been a risky choice turned into a roaring success filled with laughter, energy, and genuine theatrical magic.
From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear this was a production bursting with confidence. The show whisked the audience from Bideford docks to tropical shores (with impressive imagination and no small amount of ingenuity), delivering slapstick, songs, audience participation and plenty of “Aaarrgh!” along the way.
At the centre of it all was Ryan ‘Hefty’ Colwill as ‘Long’ John Silver, who commanded the stage with charisma and comic timing. His performance balanced villainy and charm beautifully, drawing both boos and laughter in equal measure. A proper panto baddie, larger than life and thoroughly entertaining.
Equally scene-stealing was (newcomer to the group) Nick Brookwood as Hali Hawkins. The dame role is the heartbeat of any pantomime, and this one delivered in spades. With quick wit, outrageous humour and impeccable delivery, every entrance lifted the energy in the room. The audience adored it, and rightly so.
And then there was Val Snape as Blind Pew-Pew, whose performance was nothing short of a masterclass in comic character work. Every appearance brought huge laughs, proving that sometimes it’s the smallest movements and sharpest timing that create the biggest impact.
However, one performer who absolutely stole the show was Claude the parrot (Darcey Brooks). From the first squawk to the final curtain, Claude had both children and adults in stitches. The reactions, the timing, the cheeky interruptions; every appearance brought a ripple of anticipation through the audience. It takes something special to win over every generation in the room, but Claude managed it effortlessly. A true panto star in feathers.
But this was truly an ensemble effort. From Nathan Beer’s brave and likeable Jim Hawkins alongside Abi Harris’ convincing Jane Trelawney - to the spirited pirates, townsfolk, superbly captivating dancing skeletons and supporting cast (especially bodybuilder Ben Gunns), the stage was alive with colour and commitment. The technical team also deserve huge credit; slick lighting, sound and choreography (of both dancing and a live sword fight, one of Resonance’s trade marks) kept the pace flying, and the set transported us effortlessly across the seas.
What stood out most on opening night was the energy. Their confidence shone through, and the performance sparkled with the kind of chemistry that only comes when a cast truly clicks.
Resonance Theatre Group set out to do something “a bit different”, and they succeeded. This Treasure Island wasn’t just a panto. It was bold, funny, heartfelt and packed with personality............Oh yes it was!
