UK Theatre Network

Some mysteries may never be solved.  Why do cartoon characters make ‘screech’ noises when they stop running?  Why do we laugh loudest at physical comedy?  And why do pirates all over the world have Cornish accents?  One thing is for sure, though, when Scooby-Doo and those "meddling kids" from Mystery Inc. are on the scene, the mystery will always be solved!

Based on Hanna-Barbera’s loveable characters, Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, the storyline follows the gang as they search for clues to solve the mystery of a holiday island where all of the tourists have been scared away by ghostly pirates.

The show set off at a cracking pace and kept the young audience’s attention with a combination of over the top physical comedy, whacky chase scenes, colourful costumes and high energy musical entertainment.  The adults were entertained too by liberal references to the classic cartoon show from their youth.  This aspect of the show was particularly successful due to some excellent attention to detail.  For example, dancing involved each character repeating a simple unique move and laughing always involved excessive shoulder shrugging with straight arms … just like in the cartoon!

Technically the show was very ambitious, although this was cleverly and smoothly executed in order to divert attention from the technical details.  Most impressive was the extensive use of sound effects and music from the original cartoons.  Characters bouncing on trampolines, skidding to a halt, running while being held still by captors, etc. did so with exactly the same sound used in the cartoon.  Of course, this went right over the kids’ heads, but the adults got a kick out of it.

Matthew Bloxham’s portrayal of Shaggy was the stand-out performance for me.  I had set the bar high for the delivery of Shaggy’s role and he conjured up a character voice and physicality that matched my memories of my favourite character from the show.

This is a great family show with high production values and reasonably priced family tickets.

Listings Info:

Scooby Doo and the Pirate Ghost

Wed 24 – Sun 28 June

Wed & Thu 6.30pm

Friday 2.30pm & 6.30pm

Sat 11am, 2.30pm & 6.30pm

Sun 11am & 2.30pm

Family Ticket: Group of 4, max 2 adults

Weekdays £57 and £43

Weekends £64 and £48