SCHOOL PLAY 2025
Treasure Island
By Robert Louis Stevenson
By Arrangement with ORiGiNTM Theatrical On Behalf of Samuel French A Concord Theatricals Company
Adapted by Bryony Lavery
Fintona Girls’ School
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Welcome to Fintona’s 2025 School Play, Treasure Island.
My goal when selecting a script for the School Play is always to try to provide something completely different to what came before to ensure that students are developing their knowledge and skills in the world of theatre. So, when I first read this new version of Treasure Island by Bryony Lavery and the world inhabited by pirates (and definitely no roller skates) came vividly to life, I knew that it would be a fantastic piece for Fintona. I immediately loved the ensemble feel to the piece and the dynamic physicality I felt the story demanded. I was sure it would be a great fit when I read Bryony Lavery’s explanation of why she made the protagonist female. I absolutely agree that Jim’s gender is irrelevant to the narrative and the key themes of adventure and honesty are at the forefront. A part of me also wanted to prove Robert Louis Stevenson wrong with his original title for Treasure Island, “The Sea Cook: A Story for Boys”. This is a story for everyone.
To create this immersive experience, I have staged the play “in-the-round”, a configuration where the stage is enclosed by the audience. My aim is to create the sense of isolation that the characters feel, both on the ship and the island, and to also include the audience in the most immediate way possible. Working in this non-traditional space has been a challenge and constant source of inspiration. When I see the actors on the stage, I am so proud of how they have embraced the dynamic nature of the storytelling and make the demanding blocking of the piece look effortless. And for you, in the audience, you can rest assured that wherever you are sitting, you are getting a unique look into Jim’s world as she navigates her path to find Treasure Island.
Once again, this year, I have been ably supported by the very wonderful, John Batterham, in his role as Production Administrator. John’s love of theatre, his support of our students and his immense skill in juggling the many organisational aspects of the production have been integral to the smooth running of Treasure Island and I could not be more grateful. Joining the team for 2025 is Sienna Thomas, an old Fintonian (2024) who has taken on the roles of Assistant Director and Costume Designer. As a theatre and drama teacher, my goal is always that students will take the skills they have acquired and their passion for the artform with them when they graduate. It has been incredibly gratifying therefore, to see Sienna’s creativity take flight with this show and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to collaborate with her again.
And with that, let the journey begin!
Bronwyn Bye Drama Learning Leader/Director
It’s a dark and stormy night. Jim, the inn-keeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in - and her dangerous voyage begins. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story of murder, money and mutiny, premiered at the National Theatre, London, in December 2014, in a thrilling adaptation by Bryony Lavery.
WHY DID BRYONY LAVERY CHANGE THE CHARACTER OF JIM TO A GIRL?
“Robert Louis Stevenson said very explicitly when he published the book that it was a story that was for boys only (The Sea Cook: A Story for Boys) and I think that we felt coming to adapt that and to put it on stage that we wanted to find a way of making it clear that the story was for boys and for girls. And that making Jim a girl felt like a really appropriate gesture in that direction. I think we stayed loyal to the innate character of Jim that Louis Stevenson portrays in the book. One of someone who’s young but intelligent, and the fact that she’s a girl in this production is actually insignificant... it’s about adventure.” Bryony Lavery
Aahana Amelie
Caterina
Claudia Aakriti
Angeline
Charlene
Cynthia
Aarushi
Aurelia
Charlotte Claire
Fintona Girls’ School
Emily
Hana
Evelyn
Helene
Danika
Georgia
Inaayah
Diya
Grace
Ivanka
Ixlu
Jessica
Katara
Mia
Riya
Toqa
Kaylani
Ollie
Jos
Madeleine
Oneli Scarlett
Julie Mallika
Fintona Girls’ School
Vicky Zoe
Jim (Tuesday and Thursday) Charlene Oneli
Jim (Wednesday and Friday) Scarlett Yiyun (Evelyn)
Long John Silver Sumsum (Diya)
Squire Trelawney Josephine (Jos)
Doctor Livesey Claire
Captain Smollett Zoe (Ollie)
Ben Gunn Yujie (Emily)
Grandma Hawkins Georgia
Bill Bones Aahana
Captain Flint Madeleine
Black Dog Kalyani
George Badger Aurelia
Joan the Goat Amelie
Red Ruth
Jiaxin (Jessica)
Grey Xingyu (Julie)
Declan the Dandy Caterina
Israel Hands Yichun (Helene)
Job Anderson Ivanka
Mrs Crossley Yongxi (Vicky)
Blind Pew Ixlu Valentina (Ixlu)
Silent Sue Angeline
Lucky Micky Aarushi
Killigrew the Kind Mallika
Ensemble
Aahana, Aakriti, Charlene, Charlotte, Claudia, Cynthia, Danika, Georgia, Grace, Hana, Inaayah, Katara, Mia Kaili, Oneli, Riya, Scarlett, Toqa, (Yujie) Emily, Yiyun (Evelyn), Zoe
PRODUCTION
Director/Producer/Designer
Bronwyn Bye
Assistant Director/Costume Designer
Sienna Thomas (Fintona Alumni)
Production Administrator
John Batterham
Lighting Installation and Operation
Daniel Bowen (Clear Systems)
Head Stage Manager
Dana Riley
Technical Crew
Della, Kanak
Stage Managers
Amy, Emma, Hana, Karen, Maayra
Set Construction
Brett Bates, Jack Harvey, Luke Gaynor
Scenic Artists
Alec Marsland, Luke Gaynor
Photography
Kelli Morris
Front of House Management
John Batterham
Marketing and Communications
Zoe Alexiades
Ushers
Charlotte, Evelyn, Flora, Jessica, Leonor, Olivia, Steph, Tayla
Make Up Assistants
Linda Lau, Wendy Southward, Sally Houguet