Pirate Gran at The Lowry Manchester Review
Pirate Gran
The Lowry, Manchester
29-31 May 2014
Reviewed by Lisa Lambert
Its half term and we went to The Lowry in Manchester to see the stage adaptation of Pirate Gran.
On arrival at The Lowry in Salford Quays there is ample parking in the multi-storey car park which is facing the theatre they are also on the Metrolink route which is easily accessible from Manchester city centre were all major routes service from. They have parking deals for theatre goers and also if you purchase anything from with the shopping mall for over £5 parking is free for four hours and at a reduced rate beyond that.
The Lowry has shops and restaurants to suit all tastes and makes for a good day/evening out and not just to watch the show and go home.
On entering the theatre we collected our tickets and this was really easy and well sign posted so no issues. The lady who had our tickets was very helpful and gave us directions were to go. Throughout the theatre was staff in red t-shirts who were all really friendly and helpful ensuring you got to where you needed to be.
We were sat in the stalls on row K seat 2,3,4 we had a great view of the stage and there was plenty of leg room and the seats were comfortable.
Pirate gran is based on a children’s book and is about a grandma who has a great imagination and likes to have lots of fun with her grandchildren. The show started with a song and introduction of the characters to the audience it was lively and caught your attention. The story then began and was about being a pirate and the pirate games. There were four actors that played all the character and also changed the set accordingly in a very clever way as part of the storyline just like you would do at home whilst improvising with the kids using sheets, scarves, the settee etc… (definitely what my six year old boy does when making dens and ships and cars etc…). The grandchildren were all pirates along with grandma and it told the story about being on a ship sailing to the pirate games and competing in various challenges. From an adults view you could see how the whole improvisation would pan out in your living room at home, they all fell asleep on the boat on the journey to the games which would have emulated the afternoon nap stage in a normal home and then the story carried on once they woke. They involved the audience in the pirate games throwing a foam ball into the audience several times and also shooting the parrot this really got all the kids excited and stood up engaged. The flow of the story is great and it peaks in the right places to get the kids attention again just as they are starting to get restless.
My boy is 6 and he really enjoyed himself he was totally engaged all the way through but I would say 6 and below is a prime age to watch as my 9 year old girl found it a little babyish for her but still did enjoy herself and took part when needed.
Overall, I really enjoyed the show and the day out with the children it was really good to spend time with them shopping eating and then watching the show we all had a great time. I will definitely be looking for another show to take them to and have a lovely family day out.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £11.50 to £15 (includes £2 booking fee).
Pirate Gran is at The Lowry until 31 May 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
