Double-bill of family shows set to delight Cumbernauld audiences this festive season

A new Cumbernauld-set telling of the classic ‘Treasure Island’ from award-winning writer Ross MacKay is to premiere at Lanternhouse. Co-produced with leading production company Visible Fictions, the show will run from 2nd December to Christmas Eve.We will also host a magical new festive show for under-5s, Life of the Party, from 3 December.

This festive season, Cumbernauld Theatre presents a thrilling new telling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story of Treasure Island, co-produced with Visible Fictions.

Cumbernauld lad Robbie Stevenson prefers to hide away from the world inside the pages of his favourite book, Treasure Island. But with a little bit of imagination, the book comes to life, and he is suddenly thrust aboard on the adventure of a lifetime. Robbie soon finds that you can’t stay hiding forever, and he must learn to navigate his own course and to discover the world is full of treasure if you’re brave enough to look…

Bursting with live sea shanties, treasures, and a sumptuous amount of swash-buckling adventure for children and grown-ups alike, this fun-packed show invites families to embark on a global journey along the Forth and Clyde canal and into the vast ocean, where the voyage comes to life on stage and throughout the theatre.

Inspired by the classic Robert Louis Stevenson story, Treasure Island comes from award-winning writer Ross MacKay. The show will be brought to life by a cast including Anthony O’Neill, Harry Ward, Megan McGuire and Stephanie MacGaraidh, with the company now in rehearsals ahead of opening performances on 2nd December.

I have always loved Treasure Island. It is such a timeless and exciting story, and who wouldn’t want to jump on a ship and seek treasure on faraway islands? But as a child (and even now as an adult) I was always very anxious and a bit of a worrier. I would never have been brave enough to set off on a voyage like Jim Hawkins does. I wanted to write something for those kids who feel getting out the door in the morning is just as brave as setting sail for a distant adventure. I hope this version of Treasure Island shows that even the smallest step can be enormously brave.

Writer, Ross McKay

We’re so delighted to be part of this new co-production with Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse. Treasure Island is already such a wonderful story, but this reimagining by Ross Mackay is truly magical, I know that it will engage and entertain family audiences as well as send them home with some catchy sea shanties in their heads.

Douglas Irvine, Visible Fictions Artistic Director

As well as Treasure Island, we will host a special new festive show aimed at the under-5s, Life of the Party, from the 3 December.

On a dark stage, a little light begins to flicker. Soon after, a sound starts to come from the light. Not just a sound, but a voice! Soft and slow, sighing, then humming. The light soon learns how to make other sounds too! Long vowels and prickly consonants, giggles and song, as it shines on the objects around it. A sparkly disco ball starts to find its spin. And in time, other objects follow suit. Babbling and toddling, finding their voice together. Until at last, a party is born.

In this production, party objects come to life to discover their unique personalities and learn how to work in harmony to create the perfect party. Life of the Party is a show about finding your voice. It’s about learning how to navigate your body and the world. Most of all, it is about celebrating the joys (and challenges) of being part of a family and community.

Bringing the family along to this year’s production of Treasure Island and Life of the Party is a perfect way to have fun and share in this special experience. We are really looking forward to seeing our community coming together and having a great time at the theatre this Christmas!

Sarah Price, CEO of Cumbernauld Theatre Trust

Author

Rachel Murphy

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