Captain Morgan and the sands of time performed at the New Wolsey Studio

So much could be said about the whole experience but in a word brilliant. I personally have never been to a show like this before but it was an experience that I would love to have again. We were greeted with a smile and a hello from the receptionist, making the atmosphere relaxed and inviting, and given our tickets in a matter of moments.

At 7:40 we were taken to the stage with the seating virtually on the stage which helped make the actors and their movement very visible. This helped to make you feel as if you were part of the production itself. 7:45 the actors came on and the show started. An amazing and witty story line about the British navy and pirates in search of the sands of time. All the characters in this story were played by two actors with a musician to create the story and atmosphere.

All the voices and character personalities were created by two actors; this was a truly amazing feat of acting by these up and coming performers. They are certainly two performers that must be watched throughout other shows because they are truly amazing. However this whole performance would have been nothing without the musician and sound effects member of the group. Every sound and song that was need to tell the story was created by the musician. This was spectacular the ability of this member to tell the story in the way he was able to.

All in all this is a must watch production that can be enjoyed by any age. There was something for everyone and you will marvel at the acting and laugh at the characters and their performance. I for one cannot wait to watch the second part.

Review by William Seager, student at Suffolk One

When I discovered that the production was about time travelling pirates, I admit I was confused, but as the show progressed the detailed plot made perfect - although strange - sense. With only two chairs, a violin, harmonium, tambourine and three amazing performers we were transported into the world of Captain Morgan. From taverns to prisons, from the sea to mystical islands the show follows the progress of Captain Morgan in the search for a prized treasure with his motley crew and First Mate Hammond in the face of both naval and supernatural opposition.

The actors were extremely talented, performing as a wide range of characters including barmaids, naval officers, skeletons, TV presenters and yes, even sea gods. It was a style of drama that I hadn’t seen before with the actors using only themselves for props and set but it was an excellent introduction to the art form. I thought that the plot itself was brilliant, especially with the method of moving backwards and forwards through the story but in a way that allowed the audience to keep track of what was happening. This was also helped by the magnificent characterisation by the two actors who gave each crew member or enemy their own personality and made them easily (and comically!) recognisable. Then there was the accompanying music, not only giving the show a nautical air but setting the scene and embellishing each sound effect perfectly. A hilarious hour of entertainment!

The New Wolsey studio itself was a cosy venue with warm and welcoming staff. The audience, filled with people of varying ages, thoroughly enjoyed the show too, as shown by the level of laughter during the performance and interest at the post show discussion. This gave an insight into the complex production, including its origins and the demands of performing in the show.

For me, the most important question asked during this discussion was will Ipswich be seeing the sequel? Although not confirmed, the answer was positive - it’ll be something I’ll be looking out for!

Review by Alicia Hixson, student at Suffolk One

For a complete line-up of events coming up at the New Wolsey Studio and a host of other events click here.