It’s been well over a hundred years since Robert Louis Stevenson sat down to write his legendary adventure novel, ‘Treasure Island’. But it remains one of the most influential depictions of pirates we have—from one-legged seamen with talking parrots to buried treasure on tropical islands, only found by ‘X’ marks the spot.
If it’s been a while since you’ve read ‘Treasure Island’, you may have forgotten that the opening is set in Bristol. Supposedly, Robert Louis Stevenson even based The Admiral Benbow Inn on The Llandoger Trow. So, of course, Bristol Old Vic will honour this connection with its Christmas production, ‘Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure’.
From a Bristol tavern to the mighty oceans, thrill-seeking teen Jim Hawkins charts a course to excitement and mystery aboard the mighty Hispaniola this Christmas. This UK premiere, directed by Paul Foster (The Cabinet Minister, Menier Chocolate Factory; White Christmas, Sheffield Crucible), is as daring an adventure as ever, just with a few songs thrown in for added excitement!
Today (July 16), the first cast member has been announced as comedian and actor, Jayde Adams. The Bristol legend will play Benita Gunn and Jim Hawkins’ mother in this new musical adaptation, brought to life by ‘The Great British Bake Off Musical’ and ‘The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole The Musical’ creators Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary.
Jayde Adams—best known for starring in the BAFTA-winning BBC comedy-drama series, ‘Alma’s Not Normal’ (2021-2024) and lead role in ITV sitcom ‘Ruby Speaking’ (2023)—is no stranger to Bristol Old Vic. Through her stand-up comedy, she’s performed here before, but ‘Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure’ marks her professional stage acting debut.
“After years of banging on their doors, Bristol Old Vic have finally let me on stage – and I couldn’t be prouder that my debut is happening at a theatre I’ve loved my whole life,” said Jayde Adams. “I’ve been staring at that building since I could walk, and now I get to perform in it this Christmas. Stand-up always felt like a stepping stone to my real goal: acting on stage. And now I’m in Treasure Island – give me a parrot and a pirate ship too? All my Christmases have come at once!”
Further casting to be announced later this summer.