Pansexual Pregnant Piracy, Soho Theatre Review
Eleanor Colville in Pansexual Pregnant Piracy - image by Cam Harle
Written by Bronagh
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Pansexual Pregnant Piracy is the story of Anne Bonny, she’s sick of having to conform to gender stereotypes and so off she goes to find a job. Unable to secure employment due to being a female, she disguises herself as a male, climbs aboard a ship alongside Ivana Cracker and Calico Jack and sets sail across the seven seas. This is where they find Mary Read, also disguising herself as a male, as she climbs aboard the ship. In addition to this, the crew are also trying to evade the Pirate Hunter General.
Remarkably based on a true story from the eighteenth century, Pansexual Pregnant Piracy is an hour of pure silliness, lots of songs and even more laughs.
Pansexual Pregnant Piracy is easily one of the funniest shows I have seen. From the ludicrous elements, to the sea shanties, to addressing the audience when they ‘spoiled’ a scene, the laughs just keep coming. The cast are absolute quality, comedic timing is spot on. I truly don’t know how they all kept a straight face throughout; there was quite literally a laugh a minute.
Anne doesn’t want to sit at home doing embroidery, much preferring to get out there and earn her own money and get her hands dirty. All while having sex with men and women. She certainly does not want to be a mother either. Calico Jack is happy to have sex with anybody, regardless of gender. Mary Read has a trail of lovers, seafaring and on land. And the crew… well they’re all disguised as women too and having sex with anybody and everybody too. The queer joy radiates throughout the theatre, a true celebration of pansexuality, gender stereotypes squashed. This isn’t a love story, however, there are no soppy declarations of love. This is a raucous and sexual affair, no more and no less.
I loved the set as I walked into the theatre space, which has been transformed into a sparkly and fabulous pirate ship. The use of props to depict the other ships - and at one other hilarious point, crew members - was also a great addition to the sheer funniness of the show. Eleanor Colville, Elizabeth Chu, Ro Suppa and Robbie Taylor Hunt are a powerhouse of a cast… with Eleanor, Ro and Robbie also creating the show, and Robbie also directing! The talent never ends. The whole thing was a joy to watch, never ending fun.
Overall I really enjoyed Pansexual Pregnant Piracy, which went down an absolute storm with the audience. The hour flew by in a whirlwind of silliness, dubious pregnancy test techniques, catchy sea shanties and of course, rum. This is not one to miss, a guaranteed fun night out for all.
At Soho Theatre until 13th April 2024.