Why perform Ben Crocker's Treasure Island pantomime script...?
- Ben Crocker
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Treasure Island: A Unique Spin on a Classic Pantomime Script
Why Treasure Island is My Most Popular Pantomime Script
Treasure Island is my most popular pantomime script, so it must have something special about it!
Staging a pirate panto is incredibly fun. It features vibrant characters, colorful costumes, and exotic settings. Plus, there’s plenty for the Chorus to get involved with.
However, when I began crafting my version of Treasure Island, I noticed a significant lack of female characters in Robert Louis Stevenson’s original. While it’s a brilliant adventure story, the gender balance is not ideal.
The Inspiration Behind the Women’s Institute
This realization prompted me to consider the Women’s Institute as a pivotal part of the narrative. The inclusion of the Smuggler’s Cove Women’s Institute brings a comedic element that truly enriches the story. Each member becomes part of Long John Silver’s pirate crew, adding a unique twist.
The Women’s Institute is full of engaging characters. There’s Mrs. Henderson, the strong-willed Chair, and Mrs. Parker, the Vice Chair who loves to challenge authority. Other characters include enthusiastic bakers like Mrs. Battersby, Mrs. Snook, Mrs. Carter-Brown, Mrs. Tubb, and Mrs. Dodd. Lastly, we have the adventurous Miss Normington. Her inventive cake icing provides a crucial solution. The humorous clash of cultures aboard the Hispaniola creates moments that are both funny and touching.
Cast and Characters: More Than Just Pirates
In fact, Treasure Island boasts one of my largest casts among pantomime scripts. With all the members of the Women’s Institute, it offers fabulous roles for your cast to explore.
The pirates are equally colorful. You’ll find memorable characters like Gizzard Slitter, Blood Boiler, and The Fridge. Of course, there are also the less intimidating Seaweed Sam and Seaweed Willy. Long John Silver, alongside his aged parrot, Polly, adds depth to the story. Polly, simply wants to enjoy sitting on Silver’s shoulder, which adds a humorous touch.
Romance and the Central Plot
As the story unfolds, romance ignites between Jim Hawkins and Squire’s daughter, Jenny Trelawney. Jenny is a spirited principal girl who craves adventure even more than Jim does.
On the side, the Squire has a weakness for cake. He finds himself captivated by Jim’s mother’s spotted dick with custard, which adds a quirky layer to the plot.
The dame role is filled by Mrs. Hawkins, Jim’s mum. She discovers the treasure map from the late Billy Bones, making her an integral part of the narrative right from the beginning. It's a fantastic dame role that brings both comedy and heart to the show.
Fun Elements and Unique Features
What makes Treasure Island truly stand out are its entertaining components. The inclusion of the Black Spot, a fun water fight, and Ben Gunn as a castaway ship's photographer provides opportunities for comedy and visual entertainment. Ben Gunn’s idea of a calendar shoot for the ladies of the Women’s Institute is sure to elicit laughter.
This blend of adventure, humor, and engaging characters results in a highly enjoyable pantomime script. It has been a hit with audiences in over 250 productions worldwide.
You don’t have to take my word for it—experience it for yourself! For those interested, you can request a free reading copy here and see why this pantomime has captured the hearts of so many.