The wait is almost over! Treasure Island begins its festive run on Wednesday, 4 December, and continues through to Sunday, 5 January 2025.
This year’s pantomime promises to deliver the Theatre’s signature mix of family-friendly festive entertainment, packed with laughter, music, and traditional charm. Audiences can look forward to all the beloved elements that make a Richmond pantomime unforgettable—including the famous flying Tunnock’s tea cakes and the much-anticipated knitted props!
Leading the star-studded cast is pantomime stalwart Nick O’Connor, returning as the hilarious Dame - Wilhelmina Whippy. This marks Nick’s fourth outing as the Georgian’s Dame, having previously wowed audiences as Abanazar in Aladdin, the wicked fairy Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty, and Elvis, the not-so-cowardly lion, in The Wizard of Oz.
Joining him is another Richmond favourite Marcus Jones, playing Jim Hawkins. This will be Marcus’s fourth Richmond pantomime. Known for his stellar performances, he has twice been nominated for the UK National Pantomime Awards—once for Best Secondary Lead in last year’s Rapunzel and previously for Best Newcomer in Beauty and the Beast.
Adding fresh energy to the stage is Susie Chaytow as Long Jane Silver, Moses Gale as Billy Bones, and Georgie O’Reilly as Polly. Georgie, a former member of the pantomime’s Young Company, steps into her first professional pantomime role after serving as choreographer for Rapunzel.
The production’s music will be in the capable hands of multi-talented Josh Payne, the new Musical Director, joined by accomplished drummer and actor Jack McGarry.
As always, the talented Young Company, featuring three groups of locally recruited performers, will bring additional sparkle to this much-loved Christmas event.
This year’s Treasure Island is written and directed by the Theatre’s Chief Executive, Jo Mawhinney, making her pantomime debut in both roles. Having been part of the Theatre’s celebrated pantomime productions since Mother Goose in 2010, Jo brings a wealth of experience to the stage.
“It’s a privilege to be at the helm of one of the Theatre’s most cherished annual events,” said Jo. “I chose Treasure Island because it’s packed with fun, action, and adventure. With its unforgettable characters and a plot full of swashbuckling surprises, it’s the perfect story for a pantomime.
“At its heart, this production celebrates the unique Richmond traditions that make our pantomime so special—from the knitted props to the legendary Tunnock’s tea cakes. These quirks have become synonymous with Christmas at the Georgian Theatre Royal, and I’m thrilled to carry on the legacy.”
Book Your Tickets
Don’t miss this swashbuckling spectacle! Tickets are priced from £15 and are available through the Box Office at 01748 825252 or online at www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk.
PHOTO CAPTION: Ahoy there! Pictured left to right are: Nick O’Connor (the Dame); Marcus Jones (Jim Hawkins); Georgie O’Reilly (Polly); Susie Chaytow (Long Jane Silver) and Moses Gale (Billy Bones).