Pirates Love Underpants, Curve Leicester Review
The cast of Pirates Love Underpants.
Written by Hollie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
This production contains This production contains flashing lights, loud sounds, haze and the use of water guns and bubbles.
Ooo arrr me hearties! If you and your little crew are looking for a swashbuckling alternative festive show then this Made at Curve production Pirates Love Underpants based on Claire Freedman and Ben Cort’s well-known children’s pirate adventure of the same name is adapted by Brad Fitt. The show is taking families on a quest across the seas this Christmas.
The pirate crew allow audience members to become part of their pirate gang and take them along on their adventure to Big Knickers Bay, to find the most precious prize of all, the golden underpants! Anchors away and hoist up the sail, don your stripes and eye patches as the talented actors and puppeteers provide barrels of fun, laughter and underpants!
You are introduced to friendly pirates Bucko, played by Evie James, Plank, played by Stephanie Lyse and Hornswoggle, played by Yasmin Parekh, who along with their pretty petite Polynesian parrot, need the audience’s help to read the treasure map and find where X marks the spot. An exceptionally talented small cast who bring this enjoyable production to life.
Are you ready to board their ship The Black Bloomer and set sail in order to find the most famous underpants of all? With audience participation and the help of a few pant-wearing seagulls you will be washed away in this family-friendly production.
You think teachers are mean? That’s nothing compared to the most scary villain of all, Captain Eye Patch, who puts fear into every pirate from Leicester to Timbuktu. James Blake-Butler is the Captain’s puppeteer and his puppetry in particular is excellent and depicts a realistic portrayal of the captain. As well as there being great puppetry skills the puppets are visually appealing for all children and ensure that the performance remains child-centred.
Shiver me timbers and walk the plank as the pirates sail the seas before coming across a deserted island. The creative and cartoon-like scenery and props bring this story to life. By bringing illustrator Ben Cort’s illustrations to life, this show is perfect viewing for your own little scallywags. The ‘Snap Snap Rap’ was a particular favourite for the audience and it added a burst of energy towards the end of the show.
This show is ideal for a younger audience as the running time is less than one hour. Take your cutlasses, eye patches and your bandanas with you and join the pirate crew!
Yo ho yo ho a pirate’s life for me! If you are looking for a swashbuckling adventure full of fun then Pirates Love Underpants continues its run in Curve’s Studio Theatre this Christmas until Sunday 5th January 2025.
★ ★ ★ ★
