The theatre at the Chateau de Bettembourg has been transformed into an old-style music hall with the audience chairs arranged around tables to create a most suitable a classy setting for Pirates Productions musical revue, allowing those attending to enjoy a drink throughout while being entertained by what was happening on stage.

With nine singers on stage throughout, led from the front by Allison Kingsbury, performing in front of the tree-piece orchestra directed by Philip Dutton, the audience was treated to a teriffic rendition of songs from musicals and others, none of which are particularly well-known in their own right.

This production was a significant change / evolution for Pirates in that it did not involve (m)any costume changes or stage/set/scenery changes, with costumes based on elegant black trousers and white tops, sometimes inlcuding jackets. The backdrop visual projections were significantly effective and helped create the sense of location and atmosphere.

But it most certainly did have the charm of intricate music and witty lyrics, all significantly telling their own stories. The songs were all based on themes relating to love and exploring a variety of romantic relationships which ensured smooth continuity throughout the two acts. Although the songs were mostly taken from stage musicals, the feeling and sensation of the musical revue was more of a concert than a stage production.

Of particular highlights were Ciara Barker singing about crossword puzzles, the company's renditions of I Don't Believe It and Pleased with Myself (for the incredible harmonies), Maiken Thamdrup's I'm Going To Make You Beautiful

Pirates Production had put on for performance of Starting Here, Starting Now - first performed in 1976 - at the Chateau de Bettembourg, culminating with Sunday's matinee. Their next production is Oliver! from 11 - 17 April next year at Kinneksbond in Mamer.

Photos by Geoff Thompson