Following the sell-out success of its Christmas show, The Snow Queen, Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society (PODS) are moving closer to curtain up for their first production of 2023.

Treasure Island is based on Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novel and this new adaptation by Ken Ludwig is a breathtaking yarn of piracy on the high seas.

It features some of the most infamous pirates of all time including Black Dog, Anne Bonney and the foulest of them all, Blind Pew. At the centre of it all is Long John Silver, perhaps the most famous hero-villain of all time.

PODS Head of Drama, Amanda Matthews said "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to stage Treasure Island. It's a classic tale of adventure between good and evil with mutinous pirates, marooned castaways and buried treasure. We have an amazing cast who are bringing all the characters to life and together with our design team who are working on the set and costumes it's going to be an incredible production."

The play's director, Jason Excell is making his directorial debut with PODS. Jason appeared as Sherlock Holmes in PODS production of The Hound of the Baskervilles last year and also as the evil Jack Frost in The Snow Queen. "We are going to take our audiences on a rip-roaring journey of adventure where threat and terror lurk around every corner," Jason explained.

"Make no mistake, these aren't eye patch wearing comedy pirates," he continued. "These are smelly, dirty, horrible ex-privateers who will kill each other with the slightest provocation. There won't be a moment where you aren't wondering where the next shock, surprise, twist or turn is going to come from. Whether you know the book from cover to cover or have never heard of it, you are guaranteed to see something you won't forget."

Treasure Island is on at the Paget Rooms in Penarth from Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th March. PODS have explained that whilst the production is aimed at an adult audience it will definitely also be suitable for older children. To this extent they are putting on a matinee performance on the Saturday. Tickets are available now from www.ticketsource.co.uk/pods.