We’ve been to see the swashbuckling Pirates of the Pavilion for about 5 years now and I have to say I think this one has been my favourite so far with stunning scenery and costumes, special effects, funny gags and even tap dancing penguins!  My little girl had struggled with live performances up until now, partly because she has a short attention span and also because she doesn’t like loud noises but she sat through the whole show without whinging and when we left she said “Mummy, I was so tired but I just couldn’t stop watching!” I never need to worry about my son because the humour is just at the right level for him and he’s quite often the one everyone can hear laughing.

This years adventure sees the pirates heading to the South Pole to defeat the Evil Ice Queen who has cast an frozen spell across the world.  With the help of her good twin sister, Sprit of the Seas, the pirates will head to the Icy castle to find her.  Myself and my mum were in stitches when they caught her and asked the audience what they should do and one child shouted out 'KILL HER'!  Even the cast were laughing when trying to explain it’s panto and said punishment might be a bit harsh!

If you like a festive panto then you’ll be sure to enjoy this show as it has the traditional elements of audience participation and silly jokes.  Seadog Billy is always our favourite, he’s just non stop funny and both kids were in tears when they saw his pants!

The whole cast is very talented and everyone put in maximum effort to entertain the audience. Pirate Poppy and Captain Filibuster are great storytellers, the professional dancers wear beautiful glitzy costumes and Spirit of the Seas has many costume changes and the voice of an angel which I could listen to all day.  Thanks to the good looking chap who tries to trick the Pirates my children now thrust and say “Woof” everywhere we go!  It can get a little embarrassing at times but when a cute 5 year old girl does you can’t really do anything but laugh, so thanks for that!

There is a wonderful surprise at the end which I won’t ruin but with the wintry elements and beautiful singing I found myself a little bit emotional at times.  It’s definitely a couple of hours of pure joy and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who is thinking of booking.

The Pavilion has plenty of treats on sale before the show and during the interval plus there’s light up swords and wands in the foyer should the grown ups wish to purchase one for their own little pirates.  Pre show meals are also available in the Piano Bar upstairs.

The show is running every Monday and Tuesday at 2pm and 6pm up until 31st August 2021.  If you’ve been to see this show then you can also book for the hilarious Adults Only performance which is on 1st September.

For more information and to book your tickets, please visit the Weymouth Pavilion.

Dorsetmums was invited to see the Pirates of the Pavilion for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.

Image credit: Weymouth Pavilion

Insanity Gaming Arcade in Poole is a gaming lovers dream and because you pay for a session and have unlimited play you don’t have to worry about constantly feeding the machines with coins.

We visited not long after the opening and once greeted the kids were straight off to see what games there were and what they’d enjoy most.  My son went straight for the driving games and shooting ones like The House of Dead and his little sister had a go at the old retro type games like Mario Bros but her favourites were the dance machine and a Japanese game where you had to bang the drum to the beat of the music.  I couldn't count how many arcade games there was but it must have been at least 50 which are set over 2 floors. 

While we we’re there we decided to have lunch and options included a variety of burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sides and kids meals with a choice of hamburger, cheeseburger, nuggets or hot dogs which come with fries and a drink.  We all went for burgers and my husband and I chose meal deals which is great value as it also included fries and a drink.  The food was great quality and well cooked so I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to eat there again.

The kids still had plenty of time to play before the end of the session so they went back to their favourites from earlier while we watched.

There's tons of games to choose from and most are the popular ones you find in arcades but there’s also consoles which have modern and retro classics.  I spotted a few games I remember from when I was younger like Space Invaders and Crazy Taxi but I’m sure I’d be just as bad playing them now as I was then.

I’ll admit we struggled to get the kids out of the darkness and back to reality but before we were even in the car my son asked when he could go back again.

Good to know……………..

Birthday parties and celebrations can be catered for and include time on the games, a meal and drinks.  They also have regular offers like 'Weekday Specials' which includes the gaming session and kids meal so it’s worth following on the Insanity Gaming Arcade Facebook page for up to date news.

Friday and Saturday nights after 8pm are for over 18’s only and they have a bar so you could leave the kiddies at home and have a fun night out with your friends.

For more information on sessions and parties, please visit Insanity Gaming Arcade.

I’d definitely recommend this hidden gem on the Nuffield Industrial Estate for anyone who loves gaming and we look forward to returning one day, maybe with me joining in more with the games next time.