one4review | On 21, Aug 2024

Captain Zak: Space Pirate is a delightful romp through space, designed with young adventurers in mind. As soon as the show begins, Captain Zak, an endearing and slightly chaotic space pirate, pulls the audience into his world of intergalactic mishaps. The interactive nature of the performance ensures that the children are not just spectators but essential crew members, helping Zak repair his spaceship and avoid the dreaded bubble attacks. It’s an imaginative, energetic experience that keeps little ones on their toes from start to finish.

The performance is brilliantly paced to capture the attention of its target audience, children aged 0-6. Zak’s character, portrayed with humour and warmth, engages both children and adults, with plenty of opportunities for the audience to shout out, sing along, and even dance. The storyline is packed with enough excitement and surprises to keep young minds captivated. The involvement of the audience in solving problems and fixing the spaceship adds an educational element, subtly encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Parents and carers will appreciate the light-heartedness of the show, which never takes itself too seriously. The frequent asides to the adults in the audience provide a layer of humour that goes over the children’s heads but keeps the grown-ups entertained. The show’s structure is cleverly designed to ensure that even the youngest audience members can follow along without getting lost, with clear instructions and a steady flow of activities.

Captain Zak: Space Pirate offers a perfect blend of fun, interaction, and learning for children aged 0-6. It’s a must-see for any family looking for a lively, engaging theatre experience that will leave both the little ones and their grown-ups beaming from ear to ear.

*****
Reviewed by Matthew
Pleasance Courtyard – The Green
12.15 (40 mins)
Until 25th August