Ahoy there me hearties! I be here to tell you all ‘bout the latest booty in the land of the west end…
Yes, I’m talking about the brand new musical ‘Raise Your Flag’. This unique and innovative musical brings together the sea, sword fights and of course love to create an exciting piece of musical theatre.
We’ve all seen pirates try to claim their way onto the west end before and let’s be honest, it’s never really stuck…flash-backs to ‘Treasure Chest’ spring to mind…that been said, ‘Raise Your Flag’ seems to have got this genre down to a tee! There is just the right balance between the rum, swords, love, comedy and drama. This musical really does have it all!
‘Raise Your Flag’ marks the start of what I’m sure will be some fantastic west end careers as well as introducing us to new motivating music. Believe me, you won’t be forgetting the music for the final battle anytime soon…’Crossed Swords’ tugs at every emotion as well as keeping you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what to expect. You really feel like you’re part of the action!
So what’s it about?
The story begins to unfold on the deck of Captain Blackbeard ship the Tansora for which the set, I must say, is absolutely breath-taking. The action during the opening number ‘A’Hoy’ is so complex and so perfected you are left wanting more, already pulled into the world of the pirates. Some of the ships and shipmates backstory is cleverly narrated to us through the words of ‘A’Hoy’ and we learn that they are the most feared, fiercest pirates in the seven seas. The opening number and celebrations of the sailors is ended when Captain Blackbeard, played excellently by Adrian Baker, enters having power over them all.
The tone of the musical is bought down with a ballad. The captains son John, played to precision by Ian Stark, had by now entered and is carrying out work on the ship with a few of the other sailors…he is clearly not as experienced and there is comedy built up through his lack of knowledge on-board the ship. John begins the ballad singing mournfully about his past, wishing for more in his life; a pirates life is not for him. This song is delivered absolutely beautifully. Ian Stark’s notes are always pitch-perfected and his voice and eyes are so captivating.
The musical then follows the boys story as he dashes away in the night to escape, to find his purpose in life. Of course nothing is simple and he is caught up in a dramatic thunderstorm for which I must praise the stage crew. Everything was believable and genuinely had you fearing for John, the sound, lighting and effects were flawless.
This is when we are introduced to the stunning Serena, a tranquil mermaid played by the Spanish beauty Adalina Lira as the sirens begin and John simply cannot resist. I must admit, the siren music is so hauntingly beautiful…I don’t see how anyone could resist! The siren music continues as the Tansora reappears and we learn more about the Captains life, his tragic story of lost love and how is son running away is silently killing him. He vows not to rest until he is found safe and alive.
Name is not killed or harmed by the mermaids. Instead we see love and care blossom between Serena and John. Of course, Captain Blackbeard keeps to his word and it is not long before John is faced with a life or death battle as well as a life changing decision.
I do not wish to tell you all much more as it is so beautifully performed writing will not do it any justice. I can only recommend that you make this show your priority to watch.
So what d’ya think me hearties? I suggest you take some of your treasure and trade it for tickets…it’s time to decide…is the pirates life for you?
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