Characters: Joss McWilliam and Thomas Larkin in Treasure Island.
By Cherie Donnellan
BY CHERIE DONNELLAN
“IT’S TWO blokes attacking a pirate show with gusto” is how Joss McWilliam describes stage show Treasure Island.
McWilliam said the “welcome challenge” of playing eight characters in the two-man show was a chance to relive his childhood.
“Treasure Island was my favourite book as a kid.”
The play, adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel by Queensland playwrights Michael Futcher and Helen Howard, was a 55-minute “unpretentious, high energy” performance, McWilliam said.
“This play is like a 3D pop-up version of the book.”
McWilliam plays “most of the baddies” including infamous pirate Long John Silver.
Co-star Thomas Larkin plays protagonist Jim Hawkins among others.
McWilliam demonstrated his acting prowess during his interview with the Independent, breaking into convincing “Arr, me hearties” in the tones of his various characters.
He created the voices during rehearsals until Treasure Island was “locked” in his brain.
McWilliam spent eight years teaching acting in film and television after theatre sparked his interest in acting.
“I saw some great theatre in London in 1981 and I guess that began my acting career.
“I did (Australian movie) The Coolangatta Gold in 1984 and kept working.”
McWilliam appeared in a string of Australian TV shows and films including Pacific Drive.
He joked about the show’s poor reception with audiences.
“It was once rated the worst show on TV ever made.
“I rang up my friend who was in a show that was ranked third in that pool and said ‘Ha, you only got bronze but I won’.”
McWilliam laughed about his on-screen career but said he was “serious about theatre”.
“What I love about theatre is the actor’s in charge. When you go out on that stage you rise or fall according to how you perform.”
McWilliam believed the show was as entertaining for children as it was for adults.
“Most adults read the book as children and I think they have a fond remembrance watching the play.
“And the kids, they just love it – and I love it!”
McWilliam will perform in Treasure Island at Geelong Performing Arts Centre on October 6.
