Silver & Gold

PRESS QUOTES

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"Deep within the bowels of the ship, the audience comes face to face with Long John Silver. The fabled pirate captain begins his induction by dispelling myths about piracy in general, and the ridiculous lies spread by his former cabin boy through is accounts in the book “Treasure Island” specifically. Silver is larger than life, loud and self-assured. With gusto and determination, he addresses misconceptions while also leaning into his image as a ruthless pirate. The show is adapted from its source material, directed, produced, and acted by James Hyland, a master of one-man shows. In his usual manner, Hyland delivers a high-octane performance, inhabiting the character of Long John Silver expertly and with striking nuance. Involving the audience directly, whether as new recruits or long-standing crew mates, it’s an intimate performance that weaves its tale around and with attendees. Silver gets to examine his life and career, his own violence and selfishness, his drive for gold and treasure, by reviewing the accounts others wrote about it, dispelling some myths while affirming others, explaining and justifying, and occasionally even owning up to his decisions. Media in recent years has seen a rise in villains getting to retell their own stories, examining their roots and motivations, viewing their origins from a different lens and telling very different stories. Silver & Gold continues in that vein, giving the famously ruthless pirate captain a chance to tell his own story and confront his own demons. A deep examination of self-characterisation and our own motivations don’t always shine through in our actions. The show presents a strong character who fights for his life, both in a literal sense, as well as a figurative one through deep scrutiny of his legacy as told by others. There is a delicious sense of unease in the unwitting recruits on board when the audience is directly confronted by Silver, instructed in his ways of running a crew on board his ship. The directness and richness of Silver’s characterisation vividly brings him to life in this brilliantly constructed narrative of scrutiny of the self and taking responsibility for ones own path in life. Hyland has created another compelling and immersive story that plunges the audience into a gripping piratical adventure, underscored with the gorgeous costuming by Melrose McFarlane and Mamble Fashion, cloaking the pirate in a rich, deep red coat, waistcoat and breeches, with golden detailing. A truly outstanding show that lets a maligned character stand tall and unrepentant."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Bianca, A SHINY LIFE FOR ME!

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"As Long John Silver approaches the end of his days, Silver & Gold is an opportunity for him to try and put the record straight and tell his side of the story, before he takes his final breath. The performance is centred around the audience and we are the latest recruits to join his ship. Hyland has a powerful stage presence and there’s an air of intimidation when in character and he addresses everyone... A huge credit to Hyland for giving a strong convincing performance throughout."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Elaine Chapman, THEATRE AND ARTS REVIEWS

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"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... 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 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... 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."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Neill Kovacic-Clarke, PINK PRINCE THEATRE

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"Silver, played with formidable energy by James Hyland, commands the space with a mix of threat, and theatrical bravado... Hyland’s performance is intense and often unsettling. He uses Brechtian techniques to break the fourth wall, provoke reactions, and challenge the audience to participate. At times, his booming voice and sudden movements startled those in the front row, adding a layer of unpredictability that kept us all on edge. His portrayal of Silver is not softened or romanticised — he is menacing, manipulative, and magnetic. Yet there are moments of humour and vulnerability that hint at a more complex character beneath the bravado. The production is a one-man show, and Hyland’s ability to hold the audience’s attention throughout is impressive. The pacing is taut, the storytelling vivid... for those with a love of theatre, history, and storytelling, it’s a rare treat... — a theatrical voyage worth taking."

~Penny Curran, NUMBER 9

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"Pure Gold... What I really enjoy about watching this actor is his intensity – the audience is on the edge of their seats, never quite sure what might happen next... Hyland brought such emotion and humour to the performance... We were thoroughly entertained!"

~Virginia Betts, PUBLISHED AUTHOR & ENGLISH TUTOR

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"Silver & Gold is a definite must see show. Hyland's brash and comedic character brings a fascinating story to life for all to enjoy. A masterpiece in its entirety."

Rating: ★★★★★

~John S. Perryman, BRITISH THEATRE JOURNAL