(From an old TV breath mint commercial)

First voice:  “Treasure Island is a panto.”

Second Voice:  “No. Treasure Island is a musical.”

Third Voice:  “Stop. You’re both right.”

Every panto produced over the years at the Stirling Festival Theatre has been markedly different, but the current one, “Treasure Island,” is moreso. 

The main ingredient this year is more sophistication in the choreography and the songs.  A case in point is the rousing, colourful and polished rendition of “What Can We Do a Drunken Sailor” as the pirate crew takes to the stage complete with their sailing ship.

The harmonies are an obviously complex and professional arrangement. Then they go into lap slapping and full-fledged tap dance routine.  It was a wonderful moment,

So many pantos have featured snippets of hit songs woven into medleys. This one is rich in full-fledged songs, solos or ensembles, all well sung and suitable for the nautical setting. 

But the plot remains very panto: a cross dresser, Misty , played by Amir Haidar, looking for a man, place name jokes, gags, slapstick and hilariously riotous costumes. 

Long John Silver as the bad guy gets enthusiastically booed by the audience. (The role is played by Stirling panto regular J.P. Baldwin, his 10th at Stirling.)  Debbie Collins, who calls Stirling her second home is another regular, playing Ginger for whom the audience yells, “Spice up your life.”

A blue-haired mermaid come  leggy cutie, Fariel, is played by Stefne Mercedes, while Ryan Whittal as Jim Hastings, the straight, good guy type, and Michael Hogeveen as the pussy cat Captain Morgan get to sing great duets together as they seek to outwit Long John Silver in finding a legendary buried treasure. 

Another outstanding performer is Megan Poole as Anne Bonney, Morgan’s key sidekick.

All of these actors have solid credentials at both singing and serious stage work and that shows as they perform on the SFT stage.

Backing them up musically are Christopher Mallon as music director on keyboard and regional rock musician Freddy Vette on percussion, tormenting Misty by overlooking her drum beat joke cues.

They do find a buried treasure on the tiny island – a warm fuzzy kind. You’ll have to see it to understand.

Maybe not a side splitter, but plenty of chuckles and a great fun show for all ages. 

Ken MacDougall as director and playwright, has created a different kind of script for this year’s panto. Maybe that’s because, to quote our new  prime minister, it is 2015? 

“Treasure Island” panto runs in a combination of family and naughty shows, matinees and evenings through New Year’s Eve. For tickets or information, phone the box office, (6`13) 395-2100. Or visit: stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.