Lineker scores with part in Leicester’s Treasure Island

Published: 17 November 2018
Reporter: Steve Orme

Crisp role: Gary Lineker

Former Leicester City and England striker Gary Lineker is to appear at Leicester Haymarket during its panto Treasure Island—but not in person.

Match of the Day presenter Lineker will be projected onto the stage as the most dreaded pirate on the seas, Captain Flint. He filmed his role at the request of his old friend Sandi Toksvig who’s co-written the show with her sister Jenifer.

The cast includes Mikey Brett from Leicester as Rudolph, Billy Bones, Mr Arrow and Ben Gunn. Jules Brown plays Long John Silver, Andrew Cullum takes the roles of Sir Kensington Gore and Squire De Montfort, Tanveer Devgun will be Tom, Blind Pugh and Captain Smollett, Kat Engall plays Jim Hawkins, Mary Garbé is Florence and Doctor Livesey, Joyce Greenaway is Margaret, Dominic Rye plays Frank and George, and Meghan Treadway is both Shirley and parrot.

Sandi Toksvig said, “we couldn't be happier that the Haymarket will present the world première of our adaptation of this classic novel. It's exciting to be writing the first Christmas show since the building was refurbished, and we can't wait to invade Leicester with our piratical shenanigans!”

Director Matthew Forbes added, “we’ve assembled a fantastic gang of pirates to bring this brilliant story to life. Our entire community ensemble has been sourced from the local area.

“Two-thirds of our main cast are from Leicester and the surrounding areas; it’s really important to me that we celebrate local talent, and this show has been written especially for them and the Haymarket Theatre.”

This new version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure will be a co-production between Haymarket Productions, director Matthew Forbes and producer Debbie Hicks.

Music is by David Perkins. The Haymarket Consortium’s Ellyn Phillips (Studio 79) will choreograph, Rebecca Brower is set and costume designer and Max Pappenheim is sound designer.

Treasure Island runs at the Haymarket from 13 December until 6 January 2019.

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