ARGH! Me hearties, this piece brings jokes that repeat and develop, each time they come around again it gets even more hilarious
Spruce Moose Comedy have created a fast paced and hilarious piece of theatre. It is set in the 1700’s, in the prime time of pirates. This piece of theatre could be translated to any venue, with a stage of any size and it would still be just as enjoyable. The protagonist, Sharkbait Mulligan (Matthew Davies) and his ‘shadowing’ intern Louie (Ahmed Amor) are thrown to the sharks by the agonist Captain Codpiece (Barnaby Evans). This is the catalyst to the beginning of the pirate’s quest to find treasure and the importance of having a supportive crew. You will crave rum after this show.
After walking the plank and swimming to land Sharkbait and Louie are stranded on a beach. the two decide to seek revenge on Codpiece and to do this they need their own crew. Their plan is to beat Codpiece (who is a dick and knows it) to the treasure. On their quest to recruit a strong crew, they meet the love struck and handsome Will Turner/Orlando Bloom (Ariel Hebditch) who speaks in dramatic riddles and he is an interesting addition to their crew. On their journey to find the treasure they must not be caught by Codpiece’s crew Stinky Pete or run into ‘The Beast’ (Alex Denley-Spencer). Also, along the way we find out if Sharkbait slept with a mermaid or a manatee…
As previously stated, this could be translated to any venue, as the production value is low. The cast uses a limited selection of props to create the set of the piece. Using props such as, an inflatable palm tree, used to show they are on a beach and they throw it when there is a storm or hurricane, this is simple and effective. The props bring a lot of comedic value, for example, a ‘bop it’ is used as a wheel for the pirate ship and the intern Louie interrupts Sharbait’s dialogue whilst playing with it. The lighting is simple and marks the start and end of each scene, It’s a mix of light off/on to give freeze frames/changing scene (there were some hilarious/shocking freeze frames) and spotlights for when the characters are telling a story.
What also added to the comedic value was the acting, which is over the top and enthusiastic by some characters such as Sharkbait and sometimes monotonous and unenthusiastic from characters such as Louie. The difference compliment each other and heighten the comedy in situations, as Sharkbait over reacts and Louie under reacts. There is a fun, jokey and witty nature of the acting, which makes the show unpredictable and interesting. However, this is what adds to the comedy of the piece.
On the subject of the show being unpredictable, there is a hilarious group musical number, where the cast are trying to work out what to do and expressing their feelings in the climax of the piece. This change of style mocks the stereotypical and cliche musical numbers where characters are trying to find a way out of a bad situation. It is accompanied by the stamping of feet and the cast singing acapella harmonies, made funny by rough harmonies and different pitches. Whilst the number is cringe worthy and rough, it brought comedy and gave the characters more substance, as their arc was given more clarity.
What also gives the characters more substance, is how they keep the audience engaged with their energy and delivery. There are many witty asides and talking to the audience, such as the promoting of a Pirate rum and handing things to the audience to hold. They bring jokes back around, making the story well put together and the development of the jokes makes you laugh so hard your tummy hurts.
Overall, this piece is fast paced, clever and witty. The jokes are well written and delivered and the storyline is intriguing. Its low production value makes the show even more hilarious, because the cast utilise it to their advantage and it works well. There is something to make every audience member laugh and it is not hard to follow. If you are looking for something to make you laugh, you love pirates and adventure, this is the theatre for you. There is something quite clever and impressive about how easily this piece can be performed in any setting and still be just as fun. Timbers shivered.