Treasure Island, National Theatre

Get set for a swashbuckling winter as Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate story is brought to life on stage at the National Theatre.
This classic tale of Jim Hawkins’s buccaneering adventures has shaped our perception of pirates as having peg legs and parrots. Though published in 1883 the imagery and adventures in Stevenson’s narrative are timelessly popular. As the most iconic of all pirates, charismatic Long John Silver will captivate children with his devious deceits and unexpected kindness. But expect more than just high-seas high jinks as the audience follow timid young Jim as he grows into a bold boy who can outwit pirates and captain a ship in a touching coming of age tale.
Acclaimed playwright Bryony Lavery has adapted the novel for stage with younger audiences in mind. Set-designer Lizzie Clachan will bring the stormy seas to the London stage and Polly Findlay, winner of James Menzies-Kitchin Trust's Young Theatre award, will take the helm as director. The young hero Jim Hawkins will cross cast and played by up-and-coming actress Patsy Ferran and there's some added star power from Arthur Darvill (Dr Who, Broadchurch).
Expect traditional, rip-roaring thrills, and a sleek modern performance. 

Our Treasure Island Review
Culture Whisper says ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒ though our brood of reviewers was split: the older children gave a solid four stars and the younger ones gave three, because they were mesmerised by the special effects but occasionally got a little lost in the narrative.