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COMING SOON
Treasure Island
Ahoy, Eastbourne! This winter, a brand-new musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Treasure Island is sailing into town. It’s a foot-stomping, harmony-filled spectacular that blends the salt-spray grit of authentic sea shanties with the soaring melodies and wit of light opera.
Strictly not a pantomime, this family-friendly voyage stays true to the heart of the original book while bringing a fresh, modern energy to the stage.
Event Dates / Locations
Familiarisation/Auditions Workshop: Wednesday 2nd September, 7.30pm St Barnabas church hall, Langney
Auditions: Monday 7th September, 6.30pm, St Barnabas church hall, Langney
Rehearsals: Mon & Wed Evenings (Sept – Dec), Westham & Langney, Eastbourne
Show Dates: 11th – 13th December 2026, The Grove Theatre, Eastbourne
The Production Team
 Trish RichingsDirector |  Tony BigginMusical Director |  Rowan StanfieldWriter & Producer |
|---|---|---|
 Tiffany LynnChoreographer |
The Story
First published in 1883, Treasure Island has remained one of the greatest adventure stories of all time. With its colourful characters and fast-paced storyline, it translates wonderfully to the stage.
Young Jim Hawkins finds a map leading to the legendary "Treasure Island." But the journey is more than just a hunt for gold; it’s a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse against the charismatic but dangerous Long John Silver. From the fog-drenched quays of Bristol to the tropical shores of the Caribbean, our heroes must navigate mutiny, mystery, and the search for what truly matters.
Treasure Island didn't just tell a story; it defined the entire pirate genre as we know it. From the "X marks the spot" maps to the one-legged sea cook with a parrot on his shoulder, Stevenson’s imagination became the blueprint for high-seas adventure. Over the last century, the tale has proven its status as an enduring classic through countless iconic adaptations—from the definitive 1950 Disney live-action film to the Muppets’ beloved musical mayhem and even the gritty, cinematic world of Black Sails. It is a story that has been reimagined for every generation, and now, Eastbourne G&S is proud to continue that tradition, blending the book’s timeless grit with a fresh, musical spirit that feels both nostalgic and brand new.
Perform With Us!
We are looking for a vibrant, talented cast to bring this swashbuckling world to life. Whether you’re a seasoned lead or looking to join our formidable chorus, there’s a place for you on the Hispaniola.
A Gender-Balanced Adventure: We’ve updated several iconic roles to provide more opportunities for female performers, ensuring a balanced, dynamic cast that reflects our modern community.
The Best of Both Worlds: Flex your vocal muscles with everything from rowdy, rhythmic shanties to elegant, operatic numbers.
A True Ensemble Piece: From sinister pirates to brave servants, every role is designed to shine. There are lots of parts up for grabs, from small speaking-only cameos to leading roles with solo singing.
Sign up today to be the first to receive the full audition pack and further information as soon as it's available! Feel free to email us if you have any questions about the production meanwhile.
A full character list is below.
Characters
Due to the large number of characters in the story, there will likely be some doubling up required in this production. This allows a relatively small cast to populate a world that feels much larger. It’s designed so that characters who appear primarily in the first act (at the Admiral Benbow Inn) "reincarnate" as sailors or pirates once the voyage begins.
For actors, this is a fantastic challenge, as it often involves playing two contrasting personalities.
Here is a rundown of the available roles:
Lead Roles(non-doubling)
20+ lines of dialogue, solo singing
Jemima/Jim Hawkins: (Tenor/Mezzo), any gender, playing age 11-14. Brave, resilient, and full of youthful spirit, Jim transforms from an ordinary innkeeper's child into a clever high-seas hero. Solo Songs: "Oh Dry the Glistening Tear" (Duet), "The Parting Glass", "Blow the Man Down", "I'll Watch Your Back" (You Understand) (duet).
Long John Silver: (Bass) Cunning, fiercely charismatic, and entirely self-serving. The ultimate master of charm and deception. Ingratiates himself as the ship’s cook, orchestrates a thrilling shipboard mutiny, and plays a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with young Jim. Solo Songs: "We Are Pirates Three" (Trio), "I'll Watch Your Back (You Understand)" (Duet), "15 Men on a Dead Man's Chest", "Go Away, Villain" (Ensemble).
Dr. Diana Livesey: (Soprano) The level-headed and observant doctor stays consistent throughout the voyage, serving as a moral compass for the crew.
Keeps the expedition grounded, acts as a protective mentor to Jim, and maintains order when the journey descends into chaos. Solo Songs: "Soft & Sadly, Sea Wind Swell", "Go Away, Villain"
Georgiana Merry: (Soprano) The Scheming Rebel. Ambitious, ruthless, and fiercely independent. A key member of Silver's crew who secretly schemes to overthrow him and claim the title of Pirate Captain for herself. Solo Singing "A Nice Dilemma", "15 Men on a Dead Man's Chest".
Captain Alexandra Smollett: (Alto) The No-Nonsense Leader - strict, professional, and dead serious. She has absolutely zero time for pirate antics. Commands the Hispaniola with an iron fist, sniffs out trouble early, and fiercely defends the stockade against the mutineers. Solo Songs: "I Am the Captain of the Hispaniola", "Go Away, Villain".
Squire Trelawney: (Baritone) Larger-than-life, incredibly flamboyant, and slightly foolish. The wealthy landowner who eagerly funds the entire voyage, but accidentally lets the pirate crew join the ship due to his gossip-loving nature. Sings: "We'll Sail the Ocean Blue" and "When You Find You're a Broken Down Man" as well as some ensemble numbers.
Benjamin Gunn: (Comic Baritone) Eccentric, unpredictable, and utterly obsessed with cheese after years of isolation. A marooned pirate left on the island who holds the ultimate secret to the treasure—and becomes an unexpected ally to the loyal crew. Solo Song: "My Name Is Benjamin Gunn". (Doubles: Johnny)
Israel Hands: (Bass-baritone) Silver’s intimidating, heavy-drinking muscle. Has one of the most dramatic scenes in the whole story, when he comes face to face with Jim on board the Hispaniola. Lead soloist on "A Drop of Skipper's Grog".
Supporting Roles
5-20 lines of dialogue, solo singing
Sally Hawkins: (Soprano) Jim’s older sister; pragmatic and sensible. Sings "Oh Dry the Glistening Tear" as a duet with Jim (Doubles: Anne Morgan)
Anne Morgan: (Mezzo or Soprano) A fierce pirate on Silver's crew, part of the mutiny against him, and one of the three left behind on the island at the end. Lead soloist on the shanties "Leave Her, Johnny" and "Santiana". (Doubles: Sally Hawkins)
Dick Johnson: (Bass-baritone) A rowdy pirate, part of Pew's gang and then leads the mutiny along with Silver and Hands. Sings in the trio "We Are Pirates Three" as well as being in all the pirate ensemble numbers.
Mrs. Hawkins: (Mezzo) Caring, weary, but fiercely resilient. Jim’s devoted mother who fights to keep her business afloat while dealing with unruly seafaring guests. Solo Song: "In The Days of My Youth". (Doubles: Pirate Chorus)
Billy Bones: (Baritone) Gruff, paranoid, and heavily reliant on rum. His terrifying secrets and hidden sea chest kickstart the entire adventure. Sings "15 Men on a Dead Man's Chest" (Doubles: Abraham Gray)
Blind Pew: (Bass) Menacing, elderly, and deeply sinister. Delivers the terrifying "Black Spot" expiry notice to Billy Bones, triggering the pirate raid on the Hawkins family inn. Sings"Oh Why Am I Moody & Sad?"(Doubles: Tom Hunter)
Tom Hunter: (Bass) Loyal ship’s mate. (Doubles: Blind Pew)
Martha Joyce: (Mezzo) One of Squire Trelawney's loyal staff who joins the voyage and pays for it with her life. (Doubles: Mary)
Featured Roles
Minimum dialogue, no solo singing, may have ensemble singing (trios, quartets etc.)
Kit O’Malley: (Tenor or Alto) One of the mutineers on Silver's crew. Has some solo singing in 'A Nice Dilemma' as well as lots of ensemble singing. (Doubles: Sidney)
Abraham Gray: (Baritone) Quiet, conflicted, and inherently honest. He is a hard worker who finds himself caught up with the wrong crowd but ultimately listens to his conscience. Sings in lots of the ensemble numbers including "Leave her Johnny" and "Now to the Banquet We Press" (Doubles: Billy Bones)
Johnny: One of Blind Pew's gang, who raid the Admiral Benbow Inn in search of Flint's map, he then manages to sneak on board the Hispaniola to join the voyage. (Doubles: Ben Gunn)
Sidney: (Speaking only) A tavern guest who wants to hear all about Jim's adventures. (Doubles: Kit O'Malley)
Mary: (Speaking only) Tavern guest who encourages Jim to tell the story of the voyage. (Doubles: Martha Joyce)
Tavern Guests / Pirate Chorus