Leicester’s Curve has revealed the cast for the world première stage adaptation of the picture book Pirates Love Underpants, which will take to the stage at Christmas 2024.
The crew of pirates and sea-dwelling creatures will be played by James Blake Butler, Evie James, Stephanie Lysé and Yasmin Parekh, with Nat Speight as on-stage swing.
The family show is based on Claire Freedman and Ben Cort’s swashbuckling tale, which was published by Simon and Schuster in 2013. It will be adapted for the stage by Brad Fitt.
Curve’s associate director Cara Nolan will direct. New songs will come from Curve resident creative Jude Taylor, who will be composer and musical supervisor. Set, costume and puppetry design and creation will be by Debbie Minghan. Johnny Autin is puppetry director, Curve’s assistant head of lighting Jonathan Payne is lighting designer, Curve’s head of sound and video Dave Norton is sound designer, Wes Fife is video designer and Curve’s head of wardrobe Edd Lindley is costume supervisor. Casting direction is by Anji Carroll and Sam Paterson is production manager.
All performances of Pirates Love Underpants will be relaxed, offering an environment to provide as many children and families as possible the opportunity to see the show. After each performance, audience members will be invited to walk through a Captain’s Cabin grotto, where each young person will have the chance to find the secret treasure chest and fabled pants of gold.
Pirates Love Underpants, which is recommended for children aged three and above, will run at Curve from Monday 2 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.