Performers sought for new Eastbourne musical adaptation of Treasure Island

Eastbourne’s Grove Theatre will host a brand-new musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island this December, with local performers being sought for key roles. Written and produced by theatre performer Rowan Stanfield, the project draws on Eastbourne’s stage history: Stanfield says her father appeared in an earlier Tivoli Theatre production in the 1980s, playing Blind Pew and Benjamin Gunn, while her brother played Jim Hawkins. She also describes a personal connection to the novel after reading it aloud during a Spain trip. The musical blends traditional sea shanties with Victorian light opera-style music and aims for a gender-balanced cast. Director Trish Richings and music director Tony Biggin, with choreographer Tiffany Lynn, are casting Long John Silver, Jim Hawkins, and other parts including Dr Livesey and Captain Smollett.