Pirates of the Stour Bridge

Side by Side Theatre Company go from strength to strength with their commitment, ingenuity and sheer brilliance in performance, every visit is a revelation and a lesson in what can be achieved by and in theatre.  ‘Pirates of the Stour Bridge’ is no exception and thoroughly demonstrates the mission statement of this amazing group and those involved by giving “adults with learning difficulties the confidence to express their individuality”.

The concept of this amusing tale is that time travelling pirates find themselves transported to the gateway of the town via the bridge over the River Stour and how on earth will they find their way home.

The saga opens with a group of 18th Century Pirates stranded by the Bonded Warehouse making a fire to keep warm.  Because they think they are vandals, the Bonded Warehouse Managers ring the Police and the Fire Brigade, and as they appear to be in ‘costume’, they also ring  ‘Felicity’ played by Susie Schwartz and ‘Scarlett’ played by Judy Alcock, from the local Theatre Company and so our story starts ….

We meet a selection of amazing characters all combined together to narrate this brilliantly conceived piece.  The Pirates of the title are led by ‘Captain Frederick’, a Prince of Spain played expertly by James Emtage, showing great stage presence and an excellently drawn and truly believable character throughout. His wayward troupe of Pirates played by Paul Taylor, Toby Shaw, Ben Rees , Alan Cresswell and Chris Male worked extremely well together and gave us some hilarious comedy moments as they tried to come to terms with the unfamiliar modern world.

There were some amazing musical and dance performances featuring some great voices, James’ “Can’t Help Fallin’ in Love” proved a hit with the audience as did some inventive and extremely enjoyable dance sequences delivered in the very capable hands (or should that be feet?) of an accomplished dance team. Add in members of the Side by Side’s Development Group and Holiday Makers, all having  a great time on the beach plus the Police, the Fire Brigade, Litter Pickers, some Seagulls and even a Galleon.

To stage an amazing production like this is an almost inconceivable gargantuan effort and the power behind it all was Producer, Artistic Director, Choreographer and theatrical powerhouse, Susan Rachel Wallin supported by a most amazing team.  From Backstage to Techies to support staff as well as the amazing students – everyone played an indispensable part and the result was a tour de force and a pleasure to witness.

My thanks to everyone at Side by Side for their amazing warm welcome and their very kind invitation to be a part of this thoroughly enjoyable experience.

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