The first production from the Haymarket Theatre will be the world premiere of Treasure Island, penned by national treasure and established author Sandi Toksvig (The Great British Bake Off, QI).

With Toksvig’s trademark razor (or should we say cutlass?) sharp wit, Jim Hawkins’ adventure across the High Seas in search of treasure will appeal to all ages. Along the way, Jim encounters deadly storms and even deadlier pirates, led by the infamous Long John Silver. Featuring rousing sea shanties and daring sword fights, piratical parrots and acrobatic puppets, this new adaptation is wonderfully imaginative and will leave you spellbound.

Co-written with her sister Jenifer Toksvig, and with music composed by David Perkins, this thrilling new version of the adventure story by Robert Louis Stevenson is the perfect Christmas treat for all the family.

And a familiar face will be haunting the stage as the ghostly apparition of Captain Flint…

Captain Flint – the most dreaded pirate on the Seven Seas – will be played by Leicester legend Gary Lineker, who filmed his role at the request of old friend Sandi. Gary’s performance will be projected onto the stage as part of the climactic scene of this spellbinding adventure. Flint’s faithful parrot will be created by the puppeteers from War Horse.