Brief Encounter With … Director James Kermack
James Kermack is the Director of Piramania! The Swashbuckling Pirate Musical, which is running at C venues and is a comic theatrical hit full of treasure chests, sensational songs and swashbuckling excitement that is “fit for all the family”.
What is Piramania all about then?
Piramania is a comedy musical that tells the tale of John Silverman, a lowly young bartender who joins a band of pirates from the ship The Maiden’s Ruin. His dreams of adventure soon turn sour, however, when he finds himself engulfed in a dastardly plot of murder, betrayal, incest and Welsh people!
How did you get involved with Piramania?
One of the writers, Tim Frost, came to see my production of Newsrevue last year and, over a beer, said how much he enjoyed it and mentioned that he was writing a new musical and looking for a director. I was subsequently invited to a meeting with him and David Massingham, the co-writer and producer. I pitched some ideas and here we are!
What are some of the big challenges of directing a show for Edinburgh?
I think every show brings up new challenges and all are specific to the show you are directing, no matter what the venue or festival. With Piramania, I really wanted to give an epic feel with an Edinburgh twist. I needed to pull together a creative team I trusted, just as Dave and Tim had put trust in me premiering their new show. I called in the fantastic Tom Turner who has MD’d two previous shows for me – he knows how I work and is hilarious. Then the Einstein-like choreographer Racky Plews came onboard and has put lots of jazz handed excitement into the dance numbers. Casting is usually the most difficult step, but we have managed to get a first rate cast, featuring some up and coming musical theatre stars of the future.
Why should people come see Piramania?
It’s like a musical theatre show made by Pixar – the kids will find it funny, but the adults will love it! Kids get to see pirates, sword fights and musical numbers. The adults see all of that, plus get all the risqué jokes that their kids will miss. There is physical comedy, sight gags, cracking one liners and hilarious songs like “Is it wrong to love your brother” and “Back home in Llakcuf.” It’s a balls to the wall comedy romp! If this show had parents it would be the love child of Ron Burgundy and Brian Blessed – Brian Burgundy Jr.
Piramania! The Swashbuckling Pirate Musical is playing at C venues, 4-30 August at 20:30.
