"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
"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
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"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 BrotherWolf 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, REVIEWER NUMBER NINE
Original Source: https://number9reviews.blogspot.com/2025/11/theatre-review-silver-and-gold-pirates.html
"Pure Gold (and Silver!)... Award winning actor, James Hyland, graced the stage of The Two Sisters Arts Centre once again with his Silver and Gold one man show on Friday 17th March 2023. 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
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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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