Treasure Island at the Grove Theatre Dunstable Review
Treasure Island
Grove Theatre, Dunstable
22 January 2015
Reviewed by Sandra McGhee
When I first saw advertised that Treasure Island was coming to my local theatre, Grove, situated in Dunstable with a live broadcast from the National Theatre, I was very intrigued. Firstly because I had never experienced a link to a theatre in London before. Secondly I thought what a lovely traditional story to see, so I knew instantly I wanted to take my daughter (a real theatre enthusiast like myself) would hopefully appreciate the story! To be fair most kids have read the story or watched the film, well I know I had fond memories of watching this growing up along with reading the book), so I was more than delighted I had been chosen and had the opportunity to review on behalf of What’s Good To Do and my daughter would watch and witness the story!
On entering the theatre, last night we was greeted by the usual very professional and friendly staff, we picked up our tickets and was shown to our seats which were in Stalls H5 & H6 & H7 very central and great superb view.
I took my daughter aged 10 (the recommended guideline of 10+) along with her friend who were both rather excited as they as well as I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Well what a surprise, we were blown away! I really didn’t expect the live screening would be such good quality as this was my first experience of witnessing a performance broadcast live from London. From start to finish we really thought we was in the West End with the added advantage of not having to travel or pay for train fares. What a splendid marvellous idea whoever introduced this to local theatres (even more so for disabled or older audience who wouldn’t necessarily want to travel to London), what a great opportunity of seeing a great high quality performance on your doorstep and not having to travel. We could have easily imagined ourselves being spectators in the National Theatre as it really was pretty much live like we were there. The quality of the screening was 10 out of 10, it really felt like we was just watching the cast on the stage at the Grove.
The performance was just brilliant, my daughter said this was the best show she had seen and she has been very lucky to have watched at least half a dozen famous shows in the West End so I was very impressed she was influenced and in awe of watching the high performing actors in this production. The story of murder, money and mutiny was certainly brought to life in a very thrilling new stage adaption by Bryony Lavery! Each and every performer in the show was spot on, they all knew their words and it was a real delight to watch.
No money was spared on costumes, or stage. A very big well done to everyone who brought this show to the stage, it was very clever, astonishing and remarkable, the acting was fantastic, every character a pure delight to watch!
I would now never hesitate to book tickets for any show that was broadcast live at the National Theatre, what a great idea. We saw some trailers at the interval and already my daughter said she liked the look of Behind the Beautiful Forevers, so if this appears at my local theatre, I will be booking up.
Highly recommend for a real family favourite, the guidelines are 10 + which I think fair. I know if this was on around when my 2 boys were younger they would have been blown away, as most boys love the whole pirate scene make believe, so yes wouldn’t hesitate going to see this if you get the chance and if there are any parents that have boys that are impressed with pirates this is a brilliant illustration of Pirate Life!
Worth every single penny!
Rating: 5/5 
For more information about shows at the Grove Theatre visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk.
Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP | 01582 602080
