Swashbuckling theatre with Treasure Island at Lynton’s Valley of Rocks

The awesome backdrop of Lynton’s Valley of Rocks will provide the setting for live outdoor theatre this August with a two-week run of Treasure Island.

A rollicking, joyful and rambunctious evening of entertainment in the heart of Exmoor awaits audiences as Pleasure Dome Theatre Company returns to continue its tradition of outdoor shows amid stunning scenery.

It is a rare experience, with each show a little different and expect the unexpected if the weather or the Valley’s resident goats decide to make a cameo!

Guests are invited to bring blankets, picnics and enjoy some stunning sunsets before the sky darkens and the production continues under starlight.

Treasure Island is playing in the valley from August 1 to 12, with all shows starting at 7.30pm except for one 3pm matinee on Sunday, August 6.

Pleasure Dome has been bringing live theatre to the Valley since 2016, with a mix of professional and community actors delivering classics such as Macbeth, Lorna Doone, The Importance of Being Earnest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson needs little introduction, filled with pirates, buccaneering adventure, action, mystery and fun, as Pleasure Dome founder Helena Payne explains.

She said: “We went with Treasure Island because it’s really joyful, rambunctious and fun. It’s been a rough few years and that’s how we can do our little bit to bring people a bit of joy.

“It’s live theatre and no two performances are ever the same. Thanks to the amazing setting of Valley of Rocks we are able to give audiences an immersive and very visual experience that people really respond to and come back to see our shows year after year.”

Outdoor of course means the weather plays a part, so each show has a different mood and over the years there have been plenty of funny or surprising moments as the wild goat population tries to steal the limelight.

Helena recalled: “Some of the funniest moments were in the production of Lorna Doone when the goats kept meandering across the ‘stage’ during the middle of the scene.

“During one of the witches’ scenes in Macbeth, two of the goats popped up between the rocks, with the lights catching their eyes and their horns – it really was like being surrounded by some sort of coven!

“And who could forget the infamous ‘Monsoon Matinee’ during The Importance of Being Earnest? We didn’t know whether to go ahead, but our brave audience put up their brollies and the show went on.

“The character Lady Bracknell was holding her teacup talking about manners and etiquette, while her cup overflowed with rain water. The actors were amazing, while the rest of us were in hysterics!

“We hope to see as many people as possible at our shows this August, which wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful sponsors, including Philip J Milton and Company Plc as well as East Quay Watchet.”

For tickets to see Treasure Island at Valley of Rocks, plus show dates and times, please visit www.pleasuredometheatrecompany.com.