Treasure Island - Altrincham Garrick

ANYONE who knows me will tell you my sea legs are terrible. But this nautical adventure is a trip well worth making as it takes place on dry land, perfect for a land lubber like me.

Also it was really pleasing to see so many children in the audience as I imagine far too many kids think live theatre begins and ends with pantomime. I know I did.

This rollicking good adventure sees Jim Hawkins -Lauren Brown - and the legendary baddie Long John Silver Michael Gallagher - -on the hunt for buried treasure in a far flung destination that can destroy the sanity of those brave enough to set foot there.

Brown and Gallagher are a terrifically engaging double act even if there are occasions when Gallagher is at serious risk of being upstaged by a parrot.

There are also some great sword fights to enjoy and all the action takes place against a very believable backdrop designed by James Merrington. I particularly enjoyed the inn at the start of the evening, complete with flickering fire effect in the grate.

Set designers haven’t received the recognition they often deserve in my previous reviews. Hopefully this will serve to redress the balance somewhat.

Helen Horridge is extremely watchable and likeable as Squire and the appreciative applause Euan Tanna-Fenton received during the performance was richly deserved as he was so convincing as a sailor who’d lost his mind, having lived alone on the island for three long and lonely years.

Joe Meighan’s appointment as the Garrick’s artistic director has proved to be a real masterstroke and he proves yet again that the words ‘family show’ don’t have to be shorthand for stupidity.

To enter into the spirit of the evening the theatre’s front of house staff dressed in sailor garb. Well done, me hearties.

Until April 14. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Star rating - 3.5 out of 5.