More than 200 young people from across Norfolk are preparing for some swashbuckling adventures as they get ready to take to the stage in a brand new musical.
Sinbad and the Pirate Curse opens at Norwich Theatre Royal tomorrow starring young people from the venue's theatre arts courses.
The show, packed full of song, dance and comedy, is a sequel to a previous musical – Sinbad and the Pirate Treasure – that the theatre put on in 2006.
It picks up on the Persian hero's life as he sails home accompanied by the love of his life, having rescued the Princess of Samarkand.
But during his voyage the happy ending takes an unexpected twist as Sinbad discovers there is an evil pirate curse, that one of his mortal enemies could still be alive, and that his true love is suddenly afraid of water.
Nineteen-year-old Joe Darbyshire, from Sprowston, plays Sinbad.
He said: 'The show starts with the finale of the previous show, with a song and dance and everyone happy and safe, and then it shows the story after the happy ending. It's a great show with lots of funny moments and some very colourful characters.'
David Lambert, course and show director, penned the new production.
He said: 'Sinbad will be a great chance to see many of the acting stars of tomorrow and they also have the opportunity to experience what it is like stepping out onto the professional stage in a major production.
'It is also a fantastic show for the first week of the summer holidays, allowing young people – and their families – to swap East Anglia for the Middle East in a show packed with exciting stories, great songs and non-stop fun.'
Theatre Royal arts courses alumni include Sam Claflin, who starred in the film Snow White and the Huntsman and has been cast in the next Hunger Games movie, and Jack Bannon, who was recently seen in ITV's Endeavour, a spin-off of Inspector Morse.
Sinbad and the Pirate Curse is at the Theatre Royal from tomorrow until Saturday. Tickets £5.50-£9.
To book, call 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
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