Le Navet Bete (which translates as The Daft Turnip) is not a French group but was formed in 2008 in Plymouth when the members met while studying. Now based in Exeter, they have made a name for themselves with their shows, which combine clowning, physical slapstick, pantomime, and general buffoonery. Treasure Island was my first encounter with the group, and based on this, I can't wait to see more.
The show follows Robert Louis Stevenson's story well, much of the time. Still, it drifts delightfully astray, particularly with an inspiring TV gameshow sequence leading to Hawkins eventually becoming in charge of the schooner that allows his journey, amusingly named The Jolly Todger. Captain Flint, the parrot, has also been renamed Alexa, allowing for some excellent jokes throughout, many of them inspired and amusing the audience. Elsewhere, the story is diverted to include a ravishing Mermaid, filling the comedy antics further.
There is perhaps an assumption that Treasure Island is aimed more at children than adults, like a pantomime. However, in reality, the show provides more for grown-ups, and indeed, the audience during the performance I saw was made up more of people on the wrong side of forty than of the school-going fraternity. This is not to say Treasure Island isn't suitable for all; this is for all the family, with enough antics to keep the children entertained while the adults can slyly laugh at the jokes aimed at them.
Treasure Island is a fabulous couple of hours of theatre entertainment, filled with clever ideas and laugh-out-loud moments guaranteed to entertain all. It is highly recommended if it hits land anywhere near you.
Shiver me timbers! Tis be a cracking and comic masterclass!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
