Multi-award-winning physical comedy company Le Navet Bete are dropping anchor in Oxford this summer with their riotous reimagining of Treasure Island, a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale, brought to life with slapstick energy, ingenious theatricality, and just the right amount of chaos.
Featuring a parrot named Alexa, a suspiciously fish-fingered tycoon, and a mermaid you’ll never forget, this is Treasure Island like you’ve never seen it before. Join Jim Lad, Long John Silver, and a sea-sick cast of characters aboard the Jolly Todger as they voyage across the high seas in search of glory, gold, and gags galore.
It’s a Yo-Ho-Hilarious Swashbuckling Family Comedy Adventure, with enough gags to leave your sides hurting
Oxfordshire Guardian
Treasure Island Show Details
- Venue: Oxford Playhouse (11–12 Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2LW)
- Dates: 4–5 July 2025
- Age Recommendation: 10+ (or 7+ per the production company)
- Duration: 2hrs 20mins (with interval)
- Tickets From: £14
- Box Office: 01865 305305
- oxfordplayhouse.com | Le Navet Bete
- Audience warning: Contains comic violence, mild innuendo, strobe lighting, and gunshots.
Critical Acclaim
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Great fun! Ideal for children who love an adventure”
Reviewshub
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A ripping good yarn with an abundance of theatrical surprises”
The Stage
Meet the Cast: Le Navet Bete
At the heart of Le Navet Bete are founding performers Al Dunn (as Long John Silver), Nick Bunt, and Matt Freeman, a dynamic trio who met at the University of Plymouth in 2003. United by a love of clowning, physical comedy, and pure silliness, they form the core cast of Treasure Island, performing dozens of roles with lightning-fast changes, razor-sharp timing, and boundless energy.
They are joined by a world-class creative team, including Olivier Award-nominated co-writer/director John Nicholson (Peepolykus, BBC Radio 4), and long-time collaborators across lighting, sound, movement, and design.
About the Original Treasure Island
First published in 1883, Treasure Island is the classic adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson that defined the pirate genre. The story follows Jim Hawkins, who discovers a mysterious map and sets sail aboard the Hispaniola in search of buried treasure.
But lurking aboard is the cunning Long John Silver, a charismatic yet treacherous pirate with plans of his own. With mutiny, desert islands, and double-crosses, Treasure Island gave us iconic pirate lore, from parrots and peg legs to treasure maps marked with an ‘X’.
It’s more than just a thrilling yarn, it’s a coming-of-age tale about trust, greed, and courage on the high seas.
Why You Should See Treasure Island by Le Navet Bete
- It’s Treasure Island… but totally unhinged – A wildly funny take on the pirate classic, packed with parody and personality.
- Laughs for all ages – Slapstick, clever gags, and just the right dash of grown-up wit.
- Critically acclaimed – 5⭐️ reviews and standing ovations across the UK.
- Multi-role comedy chaos – Just three actors play dozens of characters with lightning-fast costume changes.
- Family-friendly fun from £14 – Perfect for all pirate loving ages 7–107.
- Award-winning creatives – Directed by Olivier-nominated John Nicholson with a brilliant design and tech team.
- A perfect summer treat in Oxford – Two nights only at the iconic Oxford Playhouse.
FAQ
Is this suitable for young children?
Oxford Playhouse recommends the show for ages 10+, but Le Navet Bete state it is suitable for 7+. It includes comic violence, mild innuendo (aimed at adults), strobe lighting, and gunshots, so parental discretion is advised.
