A pirate's life is definitely not for me. At least, not after seeing this show by the Greg McLaren Performance Organ, which clearly thinks it might cash in on Pirates of the Caribbean mania. There might be a good show lurking here, but it's not apparent yet. Neither was the free rum and audience participation promised in the publicity.
The story concerns of a gang of pirates chased across the high seas by the sea marshals. The pirates are in search of a mythical cave where a priceless treasure is hidden - the ability to give you your hearts desire. But the show can't make up its mind whether to demystify pirates or romanticise them. It ends up a muddle, and would serve perfectly well as a kids' show, if it weren't for some humour laced with wordplay that is downright filthy.
I suspect that there is a considerable gap between the company's ambition and what they have actually achieved. This is indicated by a Guantánamo-style interrogation that suggests a desire to make some serious points about those whom the state makes outlaws. Perhaps they've just been scuppered by inexperience and the difficulties of the devised show.
A pity, because although this show is not good, there is something about its spirit and its sense of the ridiculous which is rather appealing.
· Until August 30. Box office: 0870 701 5105
