Wellington Musical Premieres: A Pirate Adventure for All Ages

The world premiere of the musical adaptation of The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate takes place this weekend in Wellington, featuring local talent Jo Hodgson in the lead role. The production, set to engage audiences of all ages, offers a unique exploration of motherhood and adventure on the high seas.

Hodgson, a seasoned performer and vocal teacher, embodies the character of Pirate Mum, who encourages her son, Sam, played by Finlay Morris, to abandon his mundane office job for a life of adventure. The story highlights the challenges of balancing parental responsibilities with personal aspirations, a theme that resonates deeply with Hodgson, a mother of two teenagers herself.

Nino Raphael, the musical’s creator and choir leader, has taken on the ambitious task of adapting the late Margaret Mahy’s beloved children’s book. Although he did not grow up reading Mahy’s works, Raphael secured the rights from her estate to bring this story to life on stage. He aims to create a character-driven experience that blends humor and heartfelt moments, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

Under the direction of Sara Brodie, the one-hour musical is rich with sea shanties, ballads, and interactive elements, encouraging audience participation. Raphael envisions a performance where attendees of all ages can join in the singing, fostering a communal atmosphere. He expressed his belief that “the ship is powered by warbling, not wind,” emphasizing the importance of music in storytelling.

The performance features a diverse array of musical instruments, including a fiddle, percussion, and traditional wind instruments, contributing to the lively pirate theme. Brodie noted that the production has been crafted to ensure that it appeals broadly, stating, “Good children’s theatre is good theatre.”

Raphael’s passion for community singing stems from his background; he leads choirs focusing on mental health and cancer support in Manchester. His experiences have shaped his vision for The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate, as he aims to create a nurturing environment for all participants.

Reflecting on the production’s themes, Raphael highlighted a significant line from the book: “You won’t know if you don’t go.” This sentiment captures the essence of exploration, both for young audiences and artists facing uncertainties.

The musical not only seeks to entertain but also aspires to tour nationally and internationally, including potential appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. The team believes that strong children’s theatre can resonate widely, and they are eager to share this engaging story with a global audience.

As the musical prepares for its debut on March 16, 2024, expectations are high for a performance that promises to be both fun and meaningful, inviting families to join in the adventure of a lifetime.