Our 2015 production of Robinson Crusoe opened in the depths of the ocean with the fearsome Neptune, evil Lord of the Sea, presiding over his watery throne. Cowering before him was the notorious pirate Blackbeard, whose ship had been wrecked in a terrible storm and dragged to the bottom of the sea. Neptune agreed to spare the pirate’s life - on the condition that Blackbeard deliver new souls in his place. His sinister plans, however, were challenged by the radiant mermaid Oceania, guardian of good, who vowed to protect the innocent from Neptune’s schemes.

From there, the story swept to a humble cottage near a fishing village, home to Dame Dolly Crusoe and her sons, Robinson and Rupert, who were struggling to keep their ship-for-hire business afloat. Fortune seemed to smile when Polly, daughter of the wealthy Major Montgomery Mountgeorge, arrived seeking a vessel. Soon the Major appeared with his devoted Nurse Ninny - leading to a comedic “dame-off” between Ninny and Dame Dolly for his attention.

The Major also introduced a disguised Blackbeard, accompanied by his resourceful cabin “boy” Reg, who sought funding for a treasure-hunting voyage. Robinson eagerly agreed to sail - motivated by both financial desperation and an attraction to Polly - while Rupert quickly became smitten with Reg.

Aboard the rickety Saucy Sally, Blackbeard confided his dark pact: Neptune would summon a mighty storm to destroy the ship, allowing Blackbeard to escape with Reg in the lifeboat. But Reg’s conscience intervened, and although the crew were dragged to the ocean floor, Oceania’s magic transported them into an extraordinary undersea adventure.

Meanwhile, Robinson washed ashore on a mysterious desert island, meeting the spirited Girl Friday and her gorilla companion, Harry. But danger was never far as Blackbeard pursued him, Neptune still wanted his soul, and a restless volcano threatened to erupt!

An unforgettable mix of adventure, comedy, romance and panto magic - Robinson Crusoe 2015 was truly a voyage to remember.

Photography by Paula Malone Carty