Silver & Gold

PRESS QUOTES

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"Hyland's characterisation of Long John Silver is exceptional. He has such a strong stage presence and embodies Silver with a vivid intensity which creates an incredibly engaging atmosphere. He perfectly captures Silver’s rage when he is challenging the 'lies' spread about him by his former cabin boy James Hawkins in Treasure Island. What makes it even more immersive, was him making us part of crew... it was incredible. Theatre does not get any more immersive or atmospheric than this – everything was ship shape and anchored in the talents of James Hyland, and the story of a maligned pirate that he has masterfully created."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Helena Featherstone, THEATRE SOUTH EAST

 

"It was funny, gripping and properly engaging from start to finish. The audience participation is chaotic and hilarious... The acting was genuinely brilliant. Huge shout out to James Hyland for truly committing to the bit and creating such a solid characterisation for the legendary pirate. It was such a smart concept, such a fun night and honestly an easy five stars from me."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Emily, SHE REVIEWS THEATRE LDN

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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... The characterisation was utterly incredible. The way Hyland embodied Silver was nothing short of breathtaking... It's a complete tour de force performance that left me completely captivated... Theatre doesn't get more immersive or atmospheric than this... This is theatre as it should be. Raw, engaging, and unapologetic."

Rating: ★★★★★

~Neill Kovacic-Clarke, PINK PRINCE THEATRE

 

"Hyland delivers a high-octane performance, inhabiting the character of Long John Silver expertly and with striking nuance... The directness and richness of Silver's characterisation vividly brings him to life in this brilliantly constructed narrative... Hyland has created another compelling and immersive story that plunges the audience into a gripping piratical adventure... 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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"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

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"You couldn’t pick a better person for the part than James Hyland, who gives a captivating, commanding and utterly electric performance throughout the 60 minute runtime. Hyland bellows out his stories with wonderful diction, his blasé but focused storytelling and exasperated frustrations at the book completely believable throughout. Though his character is mostly quite frightening, he’s also wickedly funny, humorously recounting various memories, or singling out audience members as his companions with expert approach. There is 10 minutes or so at the end of the show, allowing for audience questions, which he answers with zero hesitation, completely in character and perfectly answered, with the same wicked wit as his scripted moments on stage. A brilliantly immersive experience, with a masterclass performance from the very talented James Hyland."

~Christine Stanton, RATEDREVIEWED

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"Silver, played with formidable energy by James Hyland, commands the space... 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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"There are immersive shows, and then there are immersive shows... Atmospheric doesn’t even begin to cover it — this is transportive, intimate, and wonderfully unlike a traditional theatre experience... Created by Brother Wolf and based on Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, the production is written, directed and performed by James Hyland, who delivers a commanding solo performance that feels less like acting and more like a confession dragged from the depths. This is Silver attempting to reclaim his own narrative — not the embellished version recorded by that meddling cabin boy Jim Hawkins. Here, Silver is complicated, charismatic, dangerous and, at times, unexpectedly vulnerable... With a running time of around 60 minutes and no interval, the pacing remains taut and absorbing. For lovers of storytelling, history, and theatre that dares to blur the line between performer and audience, this is an experience that feels wonderfully London — inventive, intimate and just a little bit mischievous. A theatrical voyage absolutely worth boarding."

~Sarah, LONDON BORN AND BREAD

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"This really is a treat for the audience: Hyland leaves the stage area more than once to address people directly, mere inches from their faces. His passionate delivery has peaks and valleys aplenty... Given the near one-hour runtime, and he is the only credited performer, it never feels dull. Commanding the attention of about 30 people and being able to see the whites of their eyes is a task that lesser actors fear greatly; as for Hyland, he leans into the myth of Long John Silver and runs with the possibilities... it’s a play well worth seeing, for there’s more to life at sea than shanties and buxom women – but you’ll have to watch Hyland’s captivating performance to decide whether that’s the life for you."

~Gem Hurley, THE UPCOMING

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"Hyland really is a class act. He fills the stage and holds the audience with the simplest and oldest of tricks: he tells a compelling story... a powerful and engaging narrative. In this performance, Hyland adds a twist in the tail where, as Silver lies mortally wounded, the audience can ask any question they like about his long and murderous career, and Silver answers in character. That's a really fun ending to an enjoyable evening at the theatre."

~Richard Trinder, YORKSHIRE TIMES

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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​