"Performed on The Golden Hinde by James Hyland and produced by Brother Wolf Productions, Silver & Gold is one of a few immersive plays that are written and directed by Hyland – this time, this one is inspired by Robert Louis Stephenson’s Treasure Island. Is there anywhere better for a swashbuckling story about a pirate (although he goes to pains to say he is not) trying to change his story, than on the lower decks of a full-sized reconstruction of the Elizabethan galleon? Absolutely not. As soon as he enters down the ships stairs, 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, which sometimes (especially when he fell over when he was shot) made us actually wonder whether we should help him. The rich narrative that Hyland created was brilliantly clever too. The language he used was a mixture of Elizabethan and modern and painted the picture perfectly. Sometimes reading from a book, the speed at which he was able to switch between amusing and sincere was breathtaking and sometimes unnerving. Our surroundings completely magnified the story. Along with the extremely low ceilings and the slight motion of the ship rocking, we were sat on the benches that the Elizabethan crew would have sat on when the ship was circumnavigating the globe. Being in the belly of this magnificent ship really added a different meaning to the story and provided it with a dose of reality – 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
Original Source: https://theatresoutheast.com/silver-gold-the-golden-hinde-review
"Has anyone here ever seen theatre on a boat? Okay, now what about an Elizabethan galleon, because last night I did? I saw SILVER & GOLD by Brother Wolf staged below deck on the Golden Hinde which, for those of you who don't know, is a full scale reconstruction of an Elizabethan galleon sitting just off the bank of the Thames. Genuinely, find me a cooler venue for a play about pirates and I'll buy you a drink. So, the show is inspired by 'Treasure Island' and told from the mouth of Long John Silver himself. It was fully immersive sitting crammed together under the wooden boards, genuinely feeling like we're about to mutiny. It was funny, gripping and properly engaging from start to finish. The audience participation is chaotic and hilarious but also one of those times where I feel a bit saddened by how timid audiences can still be even when it's obvious that we're being asked to engage. 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
Original Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVLg5C7jACm
"Silver & Gold, one of the one-man repertoire shows by Brother Wolf, recently took over the Golden Hinde, a very suitable location for this piratical play. The Golden Hinde is a recreation of Francis Drake’s vessel, with which he circumnavigated the globe in the 1570s, eventually being knighted on board upon his return to England. The newer Hinde, recreated with original methods and materials, circumnavigated the globe herself in the 80s, before settling in her permanent home along the Thames in London. Since then, she has been outfitted as a museum ship, welcoming thousands of guests, hosting educational events, and serving as a venue for music, theatre, private functions, and even an escape room. This storied vessel, recreating an original pirate ship, is the perfect location for a tale of a pirate captain welcoming his new recruits. 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!
Original Source: https://www.shinylife.co.uk/2025/11/10/silver-gold
"Is there anywhere better place to tell a swashbuckling story about the fictional pirate Long John Silver than on the lower decks of the Golden Hinde a glorious full-scale reconstruction of the 16th-century English galleon once captained by Sir Francis Drake who circumnavigated the globe between 1577-1580. There was time to explore the ship before the performance began, which was an extra treat. You got a sense of the cramped conditions that the crew would have worked in, especially on the canon deck. Silver & Gold is a one-man production by Brother Wolf performed by James Hyland. Originally created by Robert Louis Stevenson the fictional pirate was a notorious and ruthless pirate who would stop at nothing to get his own way. Hyland brings to life the pirate from another perspective. A misunderstood man who wasn’t a “pirate” but a man recruiting men to give them “honest” jobs and allow them to sail and see the world! I wasn’t swayed by his side of events but the arguments are presented convincingly. 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. You can tell by some reactions that some of the audience aren’t sure how to respond and with the reputation of brutality that the pirate had it’s understandable why some reactions are nervous. A huge credit to Hyland for giving a strong convincing performance throughout."
Rating: ★★★★★
~Elaine Chapman, THEATRE AND ARTS REVIEWS
Original Source: https://theatreandartreviews.com/2025/11/06/silver-and-gold-by-brotherwolf-on-the-golden-hinde
"The writing and acting were sublime... 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... 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."
Rating: ★★★★★
~Neill Kovacic-Clarke, PINK PRINCE THEATRE
Original Source: https://www.pinkprincetheatre.com/post/review-silver-gold-the-golden-hinde
"James Hyland is the actor, adapter, director and producer of this spin-off from that much-loved hit called Treasure Island. In this one-hander called Silver & Gold, Hyland takes on the tricky task of reclaiming, or at least re-framing, Long John Silver's appalling reputation. Silver, we are told, was indeed a very bad man. But he looked after his crew (apparently), he distributed his wealth (allegedly), and he sheltered his many wives from the distressing knowledge that they were not unique (what a gent). One really has to sympathise, doesn't one? 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. With a delightfully sparkly pirate costume and a confident swagger, Silver (Hyland) berates his crew (the audience) and walks us through the numerous punishments meted out to any single sailor who disobeys his rules. These are easy to remember and rapidly boil down to 'do as I say, or die'. James Hyland's productions are in many ways old-fashioned: a simple yarn, very little (if any) set, and 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
Original Source: https://mail.yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Silver--Gold-Long-John-Silver-Restores-His-Reputation
"Edward John Silver – or Long John Silver as he’s more commonly known, is fed up with the incorrect, misinformed reputation that people have of him, Treasure Island a book of lies that has besmirched his name and frankly nearly ruined his life. The audience are invited onto the boat as potential crew recruits for his ship, given the opportunity to leave if Long John Silver’s (James Hyland) expectations of hard work and dedication aren’t something you’ll be able to meet. As part of his induction of sorts, he finally decides to set the record straight about Treasure Island and his life on the seven seas, weaving intriguing tales about his shipmates, the troubles they’ve run into and his life on board. You couldn’t pick a better venue for a pirate show than the legendary Golden Hinde; a full scale 16th Century galleon docked in London Bridge. Prior to the show, audiences are permitted to roam the boat, clambering around the tight spaces and ducking into low ceilinged rooms filled with cannons, immediately adding a fantastic pre-show experience to set the scene. And, you equally 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
"What do we really know about pirates? Are our impressions shaped more by old tales from history or by the swaggering antics of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean rather than the gritty reality of life at sea? Having read Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, I’m familiar with the infamous Long John Silver, a character both charismatic and cunning, seen through the wary eyes of young Jim Hawkins. But is Silver truly the villain Jim paints him to be? Or is there more to his story than mutiny and menace? Silver and Gold, staged by Brother Wolf Productions, offers a compelling twist: the tale is told from Silver’s own perspective. And as we know, when people tell their own stories, they often challenge the way others have portrayed them — especially when the portrayal is less than flattering. In Silver’s eyes, the real treasure isn’t doubloons or buried loot, but the ship itself. Gold, he insists, is the vessel — and in this case, it’s the stunning replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde, moored beside the Thames in London. The performance takes place on the lower deck of the ship, a cramped and atmospheric space that immediately immerses the audience in the claustrophobic reality of seafaring life. It’s hard to imagine a full crew operating in such tight quarters, but tonight there were less people in the audience for the staging of this theatrical production. Yet the setting adds a layer of authenticity and intimacy that a traditional theatre simply couldn’t replicate. From the moment we were seated, we were no longer mere spectators — we were Silver’s new crew. Silver, played with formidable energy by James Hyland, commands the space with a mix of threat, and theatrical bravado. He lays down the rules of pirate life, warning us of the dire consequences of disobedience. His tale takes us to Skeleton Island, introduces us to his skull talisman — a gift from one of his many wives (though he’s suspiciously vague on how many there actually are) — and reveals his belief that Jim Hawkins wrote a book about pirates under a pseudonym. This book becomes a prop through which Silver engages the audience, selecting members at random and assigning them names and roles from its pages. It’s a clever device that blurs the line between fiction and reality, past and present. 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, and the use of the ship’s architecture — from the creaking timbers to the echoing deck — enhances the immersive experience. It’s a shame that Silver and Gold was only staged for one night aboard The Golden Hinde. The setting is perfect, and the performance deserves a wider audience. This is not a show for young children — the themes and tone are dark, and the intensity and ferociousness might be overwhelming for some. But for those with a love of theatre, history, and storytelling, it’s a rare treat. I sincerely hope Brother Wolf Productions secures funding to continue performing Silver and Gold. But tonight, experiencing this tale aboard such a historic ship, right in the heart of London, was a delight — a theatrical voyage worth taking."
~Penny Curran, NUMBER NINE
Original Source: https://number9reviews.blogspot.com/2025/11/theatre-review-silver-and-gold-pirates.html
"There are immersive shows, and then there are immersive shows — and Silver & Gold aboard the Golden Hinde firmly sails into the latter with a confidence that feels entirely effortless. If you’re going to tell the story of one of literature’s most infamous seafarers, there is quite simply no better setting than the creaking timber, low lantern light and gently rocking decks of a full-scale Elizabethan galleon moored on the Thames. Atmospheric doesn’t even begin to cover it — this is transportive, intimate, and wonderfully unlike a traditional theatre experience. From the moment we clamber below deck, we are no longer audience members. According to Long John Silver — very firmly not pirates — we are his latest recruits. It’s made clear early on that any suggestion otherwise may end badly. That playful tension sets the tone for a deliciously unpredictable hour. 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. We also learn his Spanish name and the roots of his dual heritage, a detail that cleverly reframes the character’s identity and the way he navigates loyalty, survival and reputation. It’s one of several moments where the storytelling quietly deepens beyond swashbuckling adventure into something far more human. The audience interaction is a fascinating part of the experience. With such a small group gathered in the ship’s belly, there was an initial hesitation — were we supposed to answer Silver’s questions or sit politely silent? That uncertainty created a slightly awkward energy at first, but it soon became clear that this discomfort was entirely intentional. Once we realised we were meant to engage, the dynamic shifted delightfully. We began answering back, sometimes cautiously, sometimes boldly — occasionally under direct (and hilarious) threat of death. It adds a playful danger that keeps you alert throughout. There are also unexpected nuggets of history woven into the narrative. The explanation behind the origin of the phrase “given the needle” was a genuine learning moment — the kind of detail you don’t anticipate taking away from a theatrical evening but feel oddly pleased to have discovered. And yes, it’s not every day you can say you’ve witnessed the death of a notorious pirate at close quarters. The intimacy of the staging makes Silver’s final moments feel strangely personal — less spectacle, more shared secret. Creatively, the simplicity works beautifully. Music and sound by Chris Warner subtly heighten the atmosphere, while costume design by Melrose McFarlane & Mamble Fashion helps ground the performance in a believable, lived-in world. 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
"A one-man show, about Long John Silver, performed on a full-size Elizabethan galleon replica – based on the description, how can you possibly say no to that? James Hyland is a veteran performer with over 25 years of acting experience, using it to create many one-man productions; among them is the one we’ve stepped aboard the Golden Hinde to see tonight, Silver & Gold (adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island). You want immersive? Right down to the musty smell and fear of banging your head against the ship’s extremely low ceilings, this is immersive to a tee. Walking on board to stagger down two decks below, perhaps the only things missing are the baritone hums of “Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate’s life for me” and a tankard of ale waiting at your seat. The bar towards the back – sorry, stern – does have some wines, beers and spirits to enjoy, though. A snippet of a sea shanty begins proceedings, and Hyland enters to shut it down – this is the fabled Long John Silver before us, welcoming new recruits to serve as his crew. Throughout the show, he goes to great lengths to convince us he’s not the caricature his former cabin boy Jim Hawkins portrays him as in the book, which he reads out snippets from… there’s no parrot or missing leg here. He is, however, larger than life and in command of every situation he finds himself in – but does that warrant such a villainous depiction? Granted, he does not serve the Navy, but by “redistributing the wealth” (not looting), is he really so bad? Even if a couple of buildings get burned down along the way? And he has six wives on the go? 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. This staging of Silver & Gold was its debut London showing, and what better place for it than the bottom deck of a galleon? Wherever it’s staged next, 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
"Pure Gold (and Silver!)... The last play I saw by Hyland (Dracula’s Guest) impressed me so much that I had to see another one as soon as I could, so I was delighted to be there as he once again re-imagined a literary character. This time it was the legendary pirate, Long John Silver from Treasure Island. He did not disappoint with a portrayal of Silver to delight and surprise... 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
"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