Yo ho ho and a barrel load of fun! (Pirates, Mallorca)

Member Name: dididave

Product:	Pirates, Mallorca
Date:	12/07/08 (287 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Exceptional show of acrobatics and entertainment, unlimited free sangria and soft drinks!

Disadvantages: Merchandise is extortionate, food is only so so

"Good evening ladies and gentleman my name is Sir Francis Drake and I will be your Captain for this evening. Whenever you see me I would like you to shout my name and make as much noise as you can". This is how our Pirate's Adventure began.

The show is situated in the centre of Magalluf, Mallorca and is very easy to get to by taxi or bus. Taxis are quite expensive with the majority being "Hackney" style so buses are the best bet with loads running from pretty much every part of the island for only a few euros each. Queueing up for the show is a bit of a chore as not only do you get hammered by Pirates trying to sell you extortionately priced merchandise, you also have to queue up for quite a while. We queued for half an hour in the scorching sun with only a couple of gazebos dotted here and there for shade. Hoewever at least there is a sensible reason for the queueing as one of the crew is meticulously planning where to sit your party.

The Pirates Dinner Show is definitely one of those once in a lifetime experiences that everyone should try and see at some point if they ever visit Mallorca. An absolute outstanding World Class show with dinner thrown in The Pirates Dinner Show is simply breathtaking. Mind you, it has to be considering it costs a hefty fifty-one euros for an adult and twenty-nine fifty for a child. It is certainly one of the most expensive things a family can do in Mallorca but then you do get a lot for your money.

Firstly, once seated one of the crew will come and explain how things work. You have a number of hanging basket type contraptions which your food is delivered on and soft drinks and sangria already on the table. These drinks are all included and if you run out you can simply hold up your bottle or jug so one of the crew can replace it. There are other drinks available too but there is a charge for these. Not that I can imagine ordering anything when I can happily down the sangria like it is ribena! The seating is very much in a diner style with long comfortable benches and rectangular tables.

When the food is delivered (this is all pre-show) in the baskets it is in plentiful supply but it is never going to gain the chef a michelin star. Fried chicken, sausages, wedges, beans and pasta is what you get and if you do not like a bit of a junkfood binge then there will be nothing here for you. The food is hot and tasty but it is undoubtedly more KFC than a la carte. However, I think the thing to remember is that you are paying more for the show than the food.

The theatre is well air-conditioned and this is a godsend as it is packed to the rafters. As the lights dim and the show is about to start we are greeted by our Captain and the whole of our side of the audience go nuts. Very much catering to a British audience our table starts a football chant of "Francis" clapping our hands wildly. It all sounds ridiculous but I challenge anyone not to get caught in the moment. As the campest compere in comedy history greets the audience we are introduced to the Captains who will represent the rest of the audience and boo in the best pantomime fashion and then the show really begins...

The Pirates show is a dazzling display of acrobats, dancing, music and humour set to a theme of treasure and war against the evil French. As your Captain swings onto the stage you will cheer. The cast perform amazing acrobats and stunts and they even land in the audience! From fire eating to balancing to astounding shows of strength and agility the show has it all. Pirates are dangling from anchors, swinging round on ropes above the audience and bouncing off walls to a heart pumping musical score. In between these feats are moments of humour as the drunk cabin boy tries to escape the campest compere in the World and if you are really unlucky you may get pulled out of the audience for a surprise.

The story is very weak and in the best pantomime tradition is merely a vehicle to showcase the casts talents but you will not care as the show is so breathtaking and you become so involved it is impossible not to love it. After a breath interval for ice cream the show resumes and the stunts become even more daring and you will gasp as the crew actually have to move the scenery so the actors land in the right place after launching themselves carelessly from the crows nest. And of course this all builds to a stupendous finale.

After two hours you come out of the show absolutely knackered and mentally drained as if you have been at a cup final. Although, as I have mentioned the merchandise from chocolate treasure to bandanas is extorionate immediately after the show finishes the crew go straight outside for you to meet them and have your photo taken if you wish. I think this is a lovely touch and they are all incredibly accomodating and pleasant with no sense of rushing you along or impatience. Of course, this also makes a free and perfect souvenir of the show and makes an unforgettable experience near enough perfect.

All in all this show was a million times more than what we were expecting. As long as you remember you are going for the show and not the food it is an amazing experience that you could not get anywhere else. It is perfect family entertainment that everyone should enjoy.

N.B Our tickets were bought here

http://www.piratesadventure.com/

They are also available in all hotels and excursion shops in Mallorca.

Summary: A once in a lifetime experience.