Pirates Love Underpants, which is based on the children's book of the same name by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, is an entertaining, engaging and energetic show that will delight younger audiences. Adapted for stage by Brad Fitt and directed by Cara Nolan, the show uses songs, puppets and audience interaction to create a bright and exciting show.
Pirates Love Underpants follows Captain Eyepatch, his parrot Patricia and three pirate crew members, Bucko, Plank and Hornswaggle, as they go on an adventure to find the fabled Underpants of Gold. They overcome obstacles, battle opponents, and use their wit and wisdom to escape dangers as they grow as a team and friends to find the treasured golden Underpants. Audience members are invited to join this journey, aiding the crew by interacting with them from their seats.
Pirates Love Underpants has been perfectly adapted for children's theatre, with larger than life characters who have jumped right off the pages and on to the stage. The trio of pirates, in particular, keep the children engaged, including them in the crew and directing their individual energy into an enthusiastic group. Director Nolan has taken classic and beloved tricks from pantomimes, resulting in several "it's behind you" chants, and long running gags that have the young audience members giggling throughout.
The five performers come together to create a dazzling pirate crew, along with a variety of other characters. Evie James, Stephanie Lysé and Yasmin Parekh, as Bucko, Plank and Hornswoggle, are great at audience interaction, creating a strong rapport with the audience. They constantly refer to and engage with the audience, and lean into the ridiculousness of the show, and make the entire show feel more enjoyable. Delightfully enthusiastic and kind, the trio have been well casted in their roles. Nat Speight as Patricia the parrot has a limited stage presence, yet still manages to shine on stage and becomes a wonderful addition to the show. Speight is particularly impressive as he takes on the role of three snappy crocodiles, using both his arms and head.
James Blake-Butler has the toughest job, wielding the large puppet of Captain Eyepatch, yet does the role justice in his majestic performance. The Captain Eyepatch puppet is strapped to Blake-Butler waist down, yet feels alive and independent. Although less interactive with the audience as he could have been, Captain Eyepatch is a well-rounded and courageous character whose love for his mother and ambition for the golden underpants makes him a rather interesting character. Blake-Butler also carries the gravitas and commanding spirit of a swashbuckling pirate, despite the sweet temperament.
Jude Taylor (Musical Supervisor and Composer) has created a few original songs that are both catchy and invite the young audiences to have a good time. Captain Eyepatch and The Snap Snap Rap are two of the show's best songs, demonstrating that Taylor's variety and talent will doubtlessly have children singing them as they leave the theatre (the lyrics to both songs being available in the show's programme).
Set, costumes and puppets design comes from Deborah Mingham, who has created a practical yet adorably bright and colourful story that feels very child friendly. Large wooden barrels and coconut trees adorn the stage, with washing lines of underpants hanging above, stretched across the stage. The crocodiles and sharks puppets are amusingly clever, as the actors quickly switch into these new characters, but it's the Captain Eyepatch puppet that really makes one feel as though the show were a dream come true. Mingham has brought Freedman and Cort's characters to life through her puppetry. A small video screen sits centre stage, helping convey more complicated scene transitions (Wes Fife), yet keep in tone with the childish ambience established in the set.
Pirates Love Underpants is a wonderful theatrical experience for children, that both highlights and emphasises the magic of theatre. This experience continues after the show, where children can visit a smaller treasure trove for a photo opportunity with the golden underpants trophy, taking home a little memento along with the memories.
Pirates Love Underpants is currently playing at the Curve Theatre until 5th January.
★★★★☆ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Jonathan Pryke
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