REVIEW: SILVER & GOLD @ THE GOLDEN HINDE

🎭 Silver & Gold

📍 The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, Bankside, London, SE1 9DE

🗓 Wednesday 5th November 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

AN EPIC TALE ABOARD AN EPIC SHIP!

Anchored on the legendary Golden Hinde, James Hyland's spellbinding SILVER & GOLD is a masterclass in storytelling, transporting its audience to the high seas and the darkest depths of human nature. It's a truly unforgettable performance that actively makes us part of the crew, not just spectators.

Hyland's writing is sheer genius. With just a handful of perfectly chosen words, he paints an entire world. The language is sharp, evocative, and breathes new life into the well-trodden pirate legend, delivering a story that feels both deeply familiar and thrillingly original. Every line is a treasure chest of meaning and every beat of the plot feels perfectly placed.

The entire piece has been carefully curated.. Hyland understands his character and really lives the piece. We are essentially hearing the dying words of the iconic pirate Long John Silver, even if he claims he is not a pirate! His interpretation put me in mind of Donald Trump, as he talks about the "fake news" spread about him in the book Treasure Island.

The characterisation was utterly incredible. The way Hyland embodied Silver was nothing short of breathtaking. For one performer to command an audience so completely is a very special talent.

I enjoyed the moments of discomfort felt by members of the audience as they were brought into the story, becoming pivotal characters themselves. When Silver is shot and lays on the floor, we all shared glances with one another. Are we expected to help him or leave him to die?

I genuinely hung on every word. Hyland is a highly engaging performer who navigates the story effortlessly. His intense, masterful use of his eyes and tone of his voice all added to the wonderful illusion being created in front of us. It's a complete tour de force performance that left me completely captivated.

The ending was a real sensation as the audience are given the opportunity to ask questions to Silver directly. Hyland is majestic as he answers each one in character without even thinking. I especially enjoyed the exasperated responses to what Silver would have considered utterly ludicrous questions.

There is a real warmth and generosity in the performance. The matter-of-fact attitude was endearing, and it's obvious that the show has been sculpted from a desire to give a truthful and informed depiction of pirates. Were they really as inhumane as we think they were?

Theatre doesn't get more immersive or atmospheric than this, and I loved every second. I could feel a huge smile on my face as I watched in awe. If you haven't seen Hyland's work before then you are really missing out on something special. This is theatre as it should be. Raw, engaging, and unapologetic.

To find out more about James Hyland's work and to find details of upcoming tour dates for SILVER & GOLD and his other productions head to https://www.brotherwolf.org.uk/

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Silver & Gold was gifted by Brother Wolf Productions who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

ADAPTED AND PERFORMED BY:

James Hyland

RUNNING TIME (approx):

45 minutes, with no interval

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