Potted Pirates (Edinburgh & tour)

This piratical parody, from the team behind recent monster hit Potted Potter, is sizzling with hearty buccaneer banter and general ‘piratitude’ and deserves no less success than its predecessor.

Creators Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner (aka Dan and Jeff) boldly rise to the challenge of creating engaging theatre for children. The show consists of an almost pantomimic lecture on all things pirates – from Robert Louis Stevenson to Johnny Depp and everything in between. Clarkson and Turner’s script, co-written with Richard Hurst (who also directs), is brimming with originality and charm. Children in the audience can delight in the pair’s imaginatively choreographed sword fights and slapstick routines whilst adults are kept amused by cheeky asides (mostly regarding Keira Knightley). The talented duo complement each other perfectly: adult bookworm vs. boisterous clown. The result is a powder keg explosion of fun.

The ultimate strength of Potted Pirates lies in its handling of audience participation. I can hear the groans now as we poor adults curl up in agony against the backs of our theatre seats dreading in any way getting plunged into the spotlight. But in the hands of such consummate professionals this insecurity drains away. Resistance is futile and I soon found myself joining in with the ‘yarragh!’s and sea lion sound effects with as much enthusiasm as the kids.

Clarkson and Turner’s character selections are predictable but hit the mark. Through the use of a few wigs and costume adornments dozens of legendary buccaneers, including Sir Francis Drake and Long John Silver, appear before us. Dramatic music by Phil Innes and James Mathews’ lighting design help to engage young minds by continually switching settings at a lightning-bolt pace, whilst a generous sprinkling of superlative shanties complete the experience. Barrel loads of fun for everyone!

– Beth Friend