Pinafore Pirates, Eastleigh Youth Theatre, Wildern School, Hedge End

WITH an imaginative set, colourful costumes and dramatic lighting, Eastleigh Youth Theatre entertained an enthusiastic audience with some energetic acting, singing and dancing in a light comedy-musical.

Supported and driven by an accomplished band, there are some interesting harmonies on The Pirate Queen and The Anguish of Love.

Some of the children act and react with verve, others go blank when not delivering lines, but Felicity Bell as the Pirate Queen is magnetic, performing with panache and professionalism.

The production has a panto-ish feel to it, with the Principal Boy played by Charlotte Stevens, some stilted ensemble movements, and repetitive, mundane and unnecessary anti-men jibes throughout.