In the spirit of wanting to indulge in more culture this year, I went right ahead and indulged in the Birmingham Stage Company’s Treasure Island at the Marlowe Theatre yesterday.
I must say, I was quite impressed. The actors were pictures of enthusiasm the whole way through, many of them taking on two or more roles (Ben Gunn doubling up as Mr Arrow and Blind Pew), and the set worked very well – a static build that could become, with some tinkering by the cast themselves, the ship’s deck, a jungle paradise and the Admiral Benbow inn. Not sure the children in the audience were so riveted: one little mite sat near me was terribly bored and said so several times. He might have been a bit young for it – only perked up when the muskets were firing and the cutlasses were drawn. At least I hope he was too young – it’s either that or the Jack Sparrow culture has ruined traditional pirate tales for young ones.
Full points however to the young theatre-goer who came to the show dressed as Captain Hook. 
In other news, I’m trying to raise money for Cancer Research this year, the same as I do every year. Sponsor an old villain trying to make good if you’ve a mind to.
And what did you go dressed as?
I went as me! (you can decide whether this is more or less piratey than the young man dressed as Hook for yourself)