THE STAGE REVIEW | ROBINSON CRUSOE

Robinson Crusoe and The Caribbean PiratesPublished Thursday 15 December 2011 at 17:57 by Susie WildAhoy me hearties. This big budget pirate pantomime has some of the bigger names and most expensive costumes in the region if not the biggest laughs. TV personality turned reality TV star Christopher Biggins (Mrs Crusoe) changes outfits well in between plugging his autobiography and wearing the product placements of a high street giant. Aside from the adverts, a posturing Robinson (Paul Zerdin) and his ventriloquist puppet Sam are the real stars of the show. Especially when Sam is left alone onstage and magically 'comes to life' - apparently talking and moving unaided.The action moves from the city of Cardiff to the deadliest place on earth as an ancient map leads all and sundry on a treasure hunt to Skull Island. In these dangerous tropical climes enchanting mermaids, lost tribes and Crusoe-should've-picked-her Girl Friday (a stunning Stephanie Siadatan) come together to help Robinson beat the swashbuckling swines. The soundtrack isn't the strongest but does take in Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Monty Python and The Little Mermaid. David Bedella (Blackheart) is a convincing, if not especially butch, baddie in pimped-up pirate get up. Gok Wan would die for his gold coat. Other highlights include frolicking UV fish, a swish swordfight and the hilarious merman backing dancer.
Production informationNew Theatre, Cardiff, December 13-January 22Author/director:Ken AlexanderProducer:Jonathan KileyCast includes:Christopher Biggins, Paul T, David Bedella, Alexander Delamere, Lucy Sinclair, Stephanie SiadatanRunning time:2hr 10minsProduction information can change over the run of the show.See review on The Stage website: http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/34689/robinson-crusoe-and-the-caribbean-pirates