UK Theatre Network

 

Scooby-Doo And The Pirate Ghost – Live On Stage!

Reviewed at Milton Keynes Theatre 27th May 2009

This is a great fun production for children to at any time of the year. My co-reviewer (5 year old niece!) thought it was super and thoroughly enjoyed herself.

This story stays true to the cartoon Scooby-Doo that I remember as a younger person (being over 40 now!) and is effectively staged with many of the original poses and action of those first cartoons.

The story, written and directed by Jim Millan, is set on a tropical island where pirates are keeping tourists away. Scooby and his friends, Fred, Daphne, Velma, and of course Shaggy, collectively known as Mystery Inc. fly in for a holiday and, true to form, get involved to solve the mystery. All the performers are great but Shaggy, played by Mathhew Bloxham is like watching the cartoon character brought to life. He is super. Scooby-Doo, played by Jamie Brown, is hilarious, mostly because of the costume and the outfits he occasionally dons. The pirates are not too scary, more silly and funny really, and the children really engaged with them screaming ‘Pirate! Pirate!’ 'He's behind you!' and such like, when they appeared.

There is plenty of dancing, singing and audience participation; much like a pantomime, as the friends uncover who the characters are behind the pirates. There were lots of children in the audience so be warned it is a noisy outing. The joy for the adults is watching the enjoyment of the children but there are also elements of humour, as with good old-fashioned pantomime, that are aimed at the adults.

Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes (bkgfee)

Reviewed by Louise Winter on behalf of Catherine Brian.