Hannah Playhouse has a hit on its hands. From the very first note, The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate – The Musical bursts onto the stage with such infectious jollity, whimsy, and heart that it’s impossible not to be swept along for the ride. This production is an all-round triumph.

Every performer appears to be living their absolute dream role. The cast radiates a kind of electric happiness that can’t be faked: bold, charming, deeply committed and gloriously skilled. Vocals soar, comedic timing snaps into place with precision, and the emotional beats land with sincerity. It’s that magical combination of extreme talent meeting perfect casting.

As our fearless Pirate Mum, Jo Hodgson brings boundless charisma and comic precision, anchoring the show with warmth, swagger and a twinkle-eyed sense of adventure. Finlay Morris delivers a heartfelt, finely tuned performance as Sam, with equal parts sincerity, humour and wide-eyed wonder.

Tawhi Thomas steals scenes as Mr Fat with impeccable timing and bold physical comedy, creating a character who is both unforgettable and wildly entertaining. Avery Ward is magnetic in every moment as both Squiffy Pirate and the bearded Philosopher, balancing sharp wit, quirky charm and striking stage presence.

As both Pirate Maite and Farmer, Hamish Boyle showcases incredible versatility, shifting between characters with clarity, confidence and beautifully observed detail. Nino Raphael (Captain Rosie/Cow) delivers fearless comedic flair and brilliant character work, delivering two standout performances bursting with personality.

Nino Raphael’s musical score is an absolute treasure chest of delights; melodic, surprising, and richly textured. Every song feels perfectly placed, lifting the story with charm, wit, and emotional punch. The musicians (Andreas Lepper, Rachael Hinds, Beans Wright, Hayden Taylor, Bernard Wells) are phenomenal, delivering an infectious score with a real sense of the community of a well-seasoned crew. The sound world they create is rich, warm, and wonderfully alive; another character in itself.

Design across the board is breathtaking. The set (Scott Maxim) transports the audience from the everyday to the wild, wondrous world of the sea. Costumes (Jodi Walker), Lighting (Tony Black), Sound (Oliver Devlin) and props blend seamlessly to build a universe that feels handcrafted, heartfelt and delightfully immersive.

Sara Brodie’s direction is razor-sharp yet full of heart. Every moment is purposeful, surprising and infused with humour. The pacing is crisp, the transitions fluid and the entire company sails together like a beautifully synchronised crew at the helm of a truly magical voyage.

This is the kind of show that leaves you lighter, glowing and just a bit in love with theatre all over again. A triumph of artistry, collaboration and pure joyous storytelling.

Luna Rama (aged 9)

The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate – The Musical was really funny! I would do anything to watch it again. I liked all of the live musical instruments – there was live music-yay! Pirate Mum (Jo Hodgson) was really good at singing.

Everyone was like, “Don’t go to the sea! Don’t go to the sea! I cracked my leg open there!” One of the pirates balanced a mop on his nose! They only had a couple of people so the actors played more than one part – except the pirate mum. I don’t know how long it took to practice the part when Sam (Finlay Morris) kind of falls off the stage but lands on his head and does sort of a flop on to the ground! I like how Sam looked at his tie, took it off and put it around his head like a pirate. That was funny!

I liked how funny Sam’s manager was (Tawhi Thomas).

The cow (Nino Raphael)was so funny with his harmonica going “moooo”.

I liked how the old man (The Philosopher/Avery Ward) was so funny, he was like “Quiet! I’m trying to focus on my… my.. I can’t remember!”

The set was so cool (Scott Maxim). It was basically a pirate ship. In one of the upper parts there was a little kitchen for the pirate mum to cook in. I like how they flew up in the air in the wheelbarrow. They were flying in the air, they were still on the ship, but they used clouds to make it look like they were flying in the air.

People should see the show because it is really funny and it will make you want to see it again and again. It really shows how someone’s kid can be really different from their parents but they can still find a way to be together and love each other.

I liked how at the end when they were bowing, the dog went up on the pirate steering wheel and went “woof-woof!”.

Dev Rama (aged 7):

The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate – The Musical is about the man whose mother was a pirate. It was a musical.

My favourite parts were all of the songs! There was a dog that always came up two times. There was a farmer(Hamish Boyle) with a funny cow (Nino Raphael)that moo-d with a harmonica. There was also an old man (Philosopher/Avery Ward) who was funny, and a guy who was like “Hey, don’t go to the beach!” because he cut his leg open. I liked the Pirate Mother (Jo Hodgson) and Sam (Finlay Morris). Sam’s Boss (Tawhi Thomas)was funny. I liked being able to see the instruments being played. I liked the costumes and the set. It was very funny. The songs were really good and I got to sing along.

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