The world can be a bit of a rubbish place sometimes. Questionable politics, unfair social systems, unsympathetic views on sharing the world with other people. Sometimes the best tonic is to have a laugh about it, and ourselves. Marian has definitely been that tonic for me. The cast and I have had the best time playing about and being as silly as possible for this show. For a couple of hours every Friday, we have given ourselves permission to be childish, dumb and loud. Something we don’t get to do as often as we’d like. For a lot of the cast, it’s a long stretch from some of the more serious and classical pieces they may have been familiar with. Where subtlety and nuance are integral. No no, not here! Here, the cast get to let loose. Steal the scenes. Cause havoc. Rebel.
Our Marian lives in a world where she can’t achieve any of her ambitions. She’s grown up learning to loath the status quo. The only way to re-address the balance is to lead a double life and create a new hero – Robin Hood. Along with a bunch of misfits and outcasts, Robin fights for justice, equality and respect and becomes a symbol for the people to rally behind. Our Merry Men may not be the smartest, but they are honest, loyal and eager to live their best lives and fight for their right to do so. Don’t we all want a world like that? If you do, come be a Merry Personage.
Dafydd Weeks
Treasure Island took shape in quite an unusual way. The exceptional company of young people assembled here only met as a full ensemble four times before we began technical rehearsals – but they have taken to it like professionals twice (or even three times) their age. We should not underestimate the acting and life skills they have acquired that seamlessly take our story from the windswept cliff tops of Somerset, to Bristol Dock and then out across the ocean in search of treasure. The theatrical gold these young people have created is something which I know you and they can be justifiably pleased and proud of for accomplishing in such a short space of time, with all the challenges our young people face in their lives.
My heartfelt thanks and appreciation must go to the teams of tutors who have made this all possible, without the hard work and dedication none of this could have been achieved.
With praise for them, and their production on my lips, all that remains is for me to say ‘enjoy the show’.
Timothy Howe