Meet Gran. She bakes and she knits. You’d never guess she was a Pirate! A brand new adaptation of Pirate Gran, based on the popular children’s books by Geraldine Durrant, comes to the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne on 16th and 17th May. It’s ideal family fun for all ages from 3 upwards and is a great introduction to live theatre.
Pirating isn’t the life for everyone, but Gran says if you don’t mind sleeping in a hammock and being called Scary Mary, then it’s a career move girls should think about. With a pet crocodile under her bed, a wicked sense of humour and a whole raft of adventures under her belt, time with Gran is never dull – so come and join Gran and the rest of her crew for a magical and swashbuckling show that promises to be an absolute treat for seafaring children and their shipmates!
Pirate Gran is created by the award-winning Scamp Theatre, whose work has been described as ‘wonderfully exuberant and imaginative’ by TimeOut. Scamp Theatre was founded in 2003 by award-winning producers Jennifer Sutherland and Louise Callow, and brings a range of theatrical live performance to audiences of all ages, with an increased focus on adaptation, particularly in children’s literature. Recent productions include Stick Man, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Private Peaceful.
Geraldine Durrant is a journalist who began writing Pirate Gran in 2007 when she won a BBC competition to promote literacy and inspire families to read together. A 60 second version of the story was brought to life with by illustrations by Rose Forshall and narrated by actress Linda Robson. Geraldine was then commissioned by the National Maritime Museum, with three books in the series now published all over the world.
Pirate Gran’s crew will be bought to life with puppetry designed by Toby Olié, associate puppetry director of the National Theatre’s production of War Horse. The cast features Pauline Goldsmith as Pirate Gran, Martyn Dempsey, Jack Maurice and Peta Maurice.
Don’t miss Geraldine Durrant’s Pirate Gran at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne from 16th to 17th May, Friday 4.30pm, Saturday 11am and 2pm. Tickets priced at £11 are available from the box office on 01323 412000 or online www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
