The Creative Team: Choreographer Tiffany Lynn, Musical Director Tony Biggin, Director Trish Richings, and Writer/Producer Rowan Stanfield
Eastbourne theatre producer Rowan Stanfield has come up with a great idea that groups worldwide might consider taking on board.
Rowan will be staging a new musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure Treasure Island at The Grove Theatre, Eastbourne, from December 11th to 13th – and aims to get East Sussex theatre-lovers fully involved by inviting them to audition for the main roles, including that of Long John Silver.
This will provide fantastic performance opportunities for local people to shine onstage.
Rowan is being backed by Eastbourne Gilbert and Sullivan Society in a departure from their usual ‘traditional’ operas in which she has performed.
She has written this adaption, which offers a vibrant, reimagined take on the beloved 1883 novel while remaining faithful to its drama and Victorian origins.
She says: “Far from a traditional pantomime, the show will feature an evocative score that seamlessly blends traditional sea shanties with music drawn from Victorian light opera repertoire contemporary to the book’s original release.
“At the heart of the production is the complex relationship between the treacherous Long John Silver and young Jim Hawkins. We’re looking for performers with the necessary gravitas to bring these two iconic roles to life, as well as a host of fun, challenging parts, from the flamboyant Squire Trelawney to a crew of gruesome pirates.”
The production boasts an acclaimed creative team led by director Trish Richings (Calendar Girls, The Actress), musical director Tony Biggin and choreographer Tiffany Lynn, in addition to writer/producer Rowan.
Online audition registration is now open for would-be performers who are able to attend rehearsals in Eastbourne.
Tony Flood spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of Football Monthly, Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with The People before retiring in 2010.
He recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.
“Now I spend much of my time writing books, and theatre reviews and articles for online magazines Unknown Kent and Sussex and The Write Site. I recently retired from playing veterans football, having been one of the oldest - and slowest - players in the country!” Tony's first book was fantasy adventure SECRET POTION, which went to No. 1 in its Amazon category and has been recommended by other authors for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
His celebrity book, MY LIFE WITH THE STARS – SIZZLING SECRETS SPILLED! is full of anecdotes and revelations about showbiz and sports personalities, including Eric Morecambe, Elvis Presley, Kylie Minogue, George Best, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore, with whom Tony worked.
The versatile Mr Flood then turned to writing in another genre with spicy crime thriller TRIPLE TEASE, endorsed by best-selling author Peter James, actor Brian Capron and The Sun newspaper's Stuart Pink. Following the success of TRIPLE TEASE, Tony wrote STITCH UP! – KILLER OR VICTIM? and FALL GUY.
In BEGGARS BELIEF compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore and his Major Crime Team are again trying to put a killer behind bars in a gripping, fast-moving story.
Tony has also co-written, with his wife Heather Flood, LAUGHS AND TEARS GALORE – STORIES AND POEMS WITH TWISTS!
Tony gives talks about the showbiz and sports stars featured in his celebrity book, as well as holding miniworkshops and giving advice on how would-be authors can write a successful book. Any groups wishing to contact him can email: tflood04@yahoo.co.uk Tony is chairman of Anderida Writers of Eastbourne. The link for the Anderida website is:www.anderidawriters.co.uk
