Robinson Crusoe sets sail for Tobago searching for treasure, not realising that Blackpatch and a bunch of cutthroat pirates have stowed away hoping to reach the treasure first. Shipwrecked, Robinson discovers more than just buried treasure in the Caribbean… Director Paul Willcox claims “a Panto…incorporat[es] song, dance, buffoonery, slapstick, cross-dressing, in-jokes...and audience participation”. This production certainly achieved all of this.

Darren Butler made a lively traditional Panto Dame as Crusoe’s mother, with Stuart Forsyth’s super comic aptitude as Robinson’s aimless brother, Kenny, along with hapless help Bill and Ben (Sally Matthews, Sally Williams) adding to the fun. Mick Keegan made an excellent villainous Blackpatch, with feisty support from Hazel Town as his wicked accomplice.

The young chorus were enthusiastic, charismatic and thoroughly enchanting while young principals Abi Edwards (love-interest Polly), Bethany Town (Robinson) and especially James Forsyth (Man Friday) proved that the future of West Meon Theatre is in very good hands.