A SWASHBUCKLING performance is coming to the stage.

Third year students from Arts University Bournemouth will stage a production of the much-loved adventure tale, Treasure Island.

Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story, published in 1882, will be brought to life at Lighthouse, Poole's centre for the arts, from Thursday, March 12 to Saturday, March 14.

Adapted for the stage by Bryony Lavery and first performed at the National Theatre, Treasure Island sees a mysterious old sea dog arrive at the door of the Admiral Benbow Inn. The visitor goes on to change the life of the innkeeper's grandchild, Jim, forever.

This production brings a new sense of vibrancy to the much-loved tale.

The production sees BA (Hons) Acting students at the university collaborate with BA (Hons) Costume & Performance Design and BA (Hons) Make Up for Media and Performance students.

The BA (Hons) Costume and Performance Design department at AUB has created more than 20 costumes for the production. These have been designed by costume construction senior lecturer Wayne Martin and performance design senior lecturer, Will Hargreaves, and created by second year students. Many of the fabrics used are recycled and designers have worked hard to consider the environmental impact of their work as part of the project. The set has been designed by students, Rita Adeyosoye and Hannah Danson.

Long John Silver’s parrot will be played by a puppet that has been specially created by student, Kirsty Leitch.

Course leader for AUB’s BA (Hons) acting course, Katharine Piercey, said: “We are really excited about this production of Treasure Island. This is a fantastic adaptation of the story by Bryony Lavery. Working on a show like this gives our students a real insight into what it is like to work on a professional production, as part of a team of talented creatives.

“This collaboration is one of the ways that we prepare our students for life after University. AUB students learn to truly appreciate the value of each other’s disciplines and how they come together to bring a theatre performance to life.”

Performances begin at 7.30pm each day, plus a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are priced at £15.75 for an adult and £7 for concessions. To book tickets, visit aub.ac.uk/boxoffice