Are you ready to set sail at Lanternhouse this winter? Ahead of our re-imagined telling of Treasure Island, we’ve got some fun facts about Robert Louis Stevenson to share with you! Find out more from writer, Ross McKay.
Watch Ross’ video or read below to find out!
Hello, my name is Ross MacKay. I have adapted Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, Treasure Island for the stage. I have learnt a lot of things while I have been adapting this story. And today I wanted to share my top five favourite facts about Robert Louis Stevenson.
Stevenson is one of the worlds most translated authors. Stevenson’s work has been officially translated over 2000 times. This is a huge achievement considering he only ever published 10 full-length novels in his lifetime.
Stevenson’s friend and mentor, the poet, William Ernest Henley inspired Stevenson’s depiction of his famous pirate character. Henley walked with a crutch most his life and had a commanding presence. In letters Stevenson wrote to Henley, he says that this was the inspiration for creating Long John Silver.
Robert Louis Stevenson was arrested as a student for taking part in a two-day long snowball riot in Edinburgh. Stevenson always claimed he was only a spectator, and he was let off with a reprimand.
One of Robert Louis Stevenson’s most well-known stories is The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. However, Stevenson pronounced Jekyll to rhyme with treacle. And he wanted the title to sound like a newspaper headline, so he never used a The in the title. So we should really call it Strange Case of Dr Jeekeel and Mr Hyde.
Earlier this year, The National Theatre of Scotland staged a huge retelling of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in collaboration with Screen Scotland and Sky Arts. They have a new version of his novel, Kidnapped, planned to tour Scotland next year. And of course, my own adaptation of Treasure Island is coming to Cumbernauld Theatre this winter.
These are just some of my favourite Robert Louis Stevenson facts. If you want to spend more time with one of Scotland’s greatest storytellers this winter, then make your way to Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse and pick up a ticket for Treasure Island.
It’s going to be quite the adventure!
There is plenty happening at Cumbernauld Theatre just now. We wanted to take a moment to update you on where we are at, what is coming up, and what is happening behind the scenes as we plan for the future.
5 Aug 2025
Due to travel limitations and public safety concerns with Storm Floris, The Ultimate Irish Hooley will not go ahead tonight (Mon 4 Aug). Ticket refunds are being processed.
We hope to reschedule for next year and apologise for any inconvenience.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for high winds across North Lanarkshire. Please take care and stay safe.
4 Aug 2025
Ginger and Jester Productions announces the cast for its upcoming panto at Cumbernauld Theatre, Baltic, written by Jerry Taylor. The lineup includes Alex Robertson of Still Game fame and two talented graduates of the local New College Lanarkshire, making their panto debuts on the Cumbernauld stage.
3 Jul 2025