Review: THE MAN WHOSE MOTHER WAS A PIRATE at Pumphouse Theatre Takapuna

Reviewed by Pauline Vella

Is there anything as joyful as listening to children's laughter while fully immersed in and enthralled by a theatrical production?

At the opening performance of "The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate' on Saturday afternoon it was not just children being richly entertained , but all attending who were young at heart thoroughly enjoyed a slick 50-minute musical play.
This small show rocks! I last read Margaret Mahy's book, on which this musical is based, some 20 plus years ago as it was a firm favourite with both my sons. And with its rich characters was always a pleasure to read out loud.
And with it being a Kiwi story we loved it more.

This production pays homage to true Kiwiana , with old fashioned clothes lines and pegs, a wheelbarrow chariot in which Pirate Mum and son escaped the corporate world to find solace in the beach and the cry of seagulls.
The audience, young and old, were entranced by the colour, the humour including laughing at counting and a real highlight a "dream sequence" multi wheelbarrow dance.

The cast of four - Adam Burrell, Auryn Denovan, Carolyn Lamonde and Kat Glass effortlessly moved through the story not missing a beat throughout.

Adam Burrell sings the first song as a Pirate and what a velvety Baritone voice he has.
Griffin Jenkins, in his role as Musical Director, proved to be a real one-man band playing a number of different instruments plus providing some original incidental music to enhance the score.
Costuming is gorgeous, set design clever, lighting and sound excellent.
NZSL interpreter Kelly Hodgins enhanced the performance, her facials in her translating is priceless.
Looking for a cute, entertaining show for the school holidays? One that will entertain kids and adults alike? I highly recommend The Man Whose Mother Was A Pirate - fun for all the family.
It was my first Tim Bray show and it will definitely not be my last.

The Boy Whose Mother was a Pirate
Tim Bray Productions
April 6 -28 th 2019
The Pumphouse Theatre
2a Manurere Avenue, Takapuna
Bookings: https://pumphouse.co.nz
Tickets range $25.00 -$28.00 - Group Discount Apply.

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