Pirates!

Published Monday 28 June 2010 at 15:25 by Nikki Behan

With many of the children in the audience dressed in full pirate garb, there is a sense of excitement for the swashbuckling to begin.

In this new adventure, beautifully written by award-winning playwright Charles Way, we are told two intertwining stories. The story begins with the amusing pirate double-act Harry and Sneep, played by twin brothers Michael Sewell and Ben Sewell, on a very realistic looking ship deck. When the fearless pirate Captain Freely (Rachel Nott) arrives, the ambience becomes more sinister.

With the navy in hot pursuit, we are treated to a battle - with sound, by James Grant, and lighting, by Johanna Town, giving the audience a real sense of cannon fire. The stage then impressively transforms into a child’s bedroom, decorated with all things nautical.

The young boy Jim, Edward Debe - who plays the child as both angry and sensitive, is facing problems of his own in his troubled family life, with a powerful dilemma for a young audience, when he is paid a visit from history and taken back in time. During his pirate adventure, Jim begins to see his problems a little more clearly, thanks in part to a dream-like scene with a pair of sharks which is stunning. With sword-fighting, buccaneers’ banter and a couple of very enjoyable songs, all delivered by an impressive cast, you get everything you would expect from a pirate story.

In addition, the conclusion is surprising and uplifting, which may be missed by younger members of the audience.