All the movie moments we hope to see in 'Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure'
Shiver me timbers! The masters of immersive are back, this time with a new take on Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean. The new show is sailing into London in 2027, so now is your chance to speculate on all the movie moments we hope to see on stage.
Summary
- Secret Cinema's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure opens in London in 2027
- The show will be based on the first instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean films
- Performances begin in Greenwich in February 2027
All aboard for a swashbuckling adventure! The iconic Disney film Pirates of the Caribbean is getting the Secret Cinema treatment this summer, with Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, and all your favourite movie characters coming to life in a thrilling theatrical voyage.
Pirates of the Caribbean hit the big screen in 2003 in the first instalment Curse of the Black Pearl, starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley (who returns to the London stage later this year in The Lives of Others). It was a massive hit, and several movie sequels soon followed, continuing the gripping 18th-century tale of a dissolute (but charming) pirate, a yearning blacksmith, and a courageous noblewoman.
As we prepare to sail the seven seas on the Black Pearl, fighting duels, breaking curses, falling in love, and trying to avoid walking the plank, let’s revisit some of our favourite scenes from the film that might well appear in this exciting new stage adaptation. Spoilers to follow!
Book Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
The opening flashback
We get some important character information in the spine-tingling, atmospheric opening scene, which sees a young Will Turner being rescued from a shipwreck by Governor Swann and his daughter Elizabeth. He’s wearing a certain gold medallion around his neck, which Elizabeth takes from him.
Elizabeth falls off a cliff
Curse you, corset! After an unwanted proposal from Commodore Norrington, Elizabeth struggles to catch her breath and goes plummeting off a cliff into the ocean. Captain Jack rescues her, spotting the medallion in the process – and giving us an early hint that, under all the eyeliner and rum, there’s a kind heart – but he’s then arrested for piracy.
Jack and Will duel
Following a daring escape, Jack sneaks into the smithy to try to remove his irons. But there he encounters Will, who is furious that he threatened Elizabeth, and a rollicking duel commences, involving multiple swords, precarious balancing on planks and ceiling beams, and one confused donkey.
The crew of the Black Pearl attack
In an explosive set-piece, the pirates turn their cannons on Port Royal. But the biggest tension comes from the crew hunting down Elizabeth (and her stolen medallion), giving us the famous line “Hello, poppet”.
Elizabeth demands a parley
That’s our girl! Instead of panicking, a quick-thinking Elizabeth invokes the custom of parley, meaning her pirate captors can’t hurt her and must instead take her to meet Captain Barbossa. She does successfully negotiate their departure – but they take her with them.
Will learns the truth about his father
Captain Jack cleverly tricks the navy by pretending to steal one ship and actually making off with another. He then breaks some big news to Will: his father, also named William Turner but known as “Bootstrap Bill”, was a pirate, meaning Will too has pirate in his blood.
Elizabeth dines with the captain
Captain Barbossa tells the terrible tale of the stolen Aztec gold and the curse placed upon him and his men: they are undead, unable to eat, drink or rest. Elizabeth scoffs that she doesn’t believe in ghost stories – but she changes her mind when she sees him and his crew in the moonlight, as horrifying walking skeletons.
Barbossa visits Isla de Muerta
Barbossa and his crew take Elizabeth to a dark cave beneath the mysterious, mist-shrouded island, filled with treasure. There he uses her blood to end the curse – only it doesn’t work, because she’s not the child of Bootstrap Bill (she used Will’s name, Turner, when she came aboard). Thankfully, Will is there to save her.
The Black Pearl attacks
In a hair-raising naval battle, the Black Pearl chases down the Inceptor – the naval ship stolen by Captain Jack, and now under the command of Will and Elizabeth. The Black Pearl gets the better of the Interceptor, but Will offers himself up to Captain Barbossa in exchange for the safety of his crew and Elizabeth.
Walking the plank
Once again, Captain Barbossa comes out top in a negotiation. He keeps his word not to harm Elizabeth or Captain Jack, but he forces them to walk the plank and leaves them marooned on a tiny island – the second time that Jack has faced such a fate.
Elizabeth gets Captain Jack drunk
The pair drown their sorrows in rum, and Captain Jack rather poetically shares his philosophy: that a ship isn’t just a deck and sails, but “freedom”. He also tries to make a move on Elizabeth, but she has cleverly remained sober so she can enact her real plan to get them rescued.
Gents, take a walk
It’s the Royal Navy vs the crew of the Black Pearl – but the latter have a supernatural advantage. Instead of approaching their enemies in a boat, they can walk on the seabed, meaning they surprise Norrington and his unsuspecting men. It’s one of the most striking sequences in the film.
The final showdown
Elizabeth rescues Will from a pirate with the kickass line “You like pain? Try wearing a corset.” Captains Jack and Barbossa duel, until Jack finally uses the shot he’s been saving all those years – and kills Barbossa, because the curse has been lifted by Will. Barbossa’s final words? “I feel…cold.”
Captain Jack escapes the noose
Our favourite pirate is due to be hanged for his various colourful crimes, but of course we can’t have that. Thanks to Elizabeth once again “fainting”, Will leaping into action, and the timely return of the Black Pearl, we get a happy ending: Captain Jack, back in command of his beloved ship, gazing out at an endless horizon.
Book Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
Photo credit: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure artwork. (Courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is Secret Cinema presents Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure?
Secret Cinema presents Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean is an immersive reimagining of the blockbuster franchise.
Blur the lines between screen and reality in true Secret Cinema style and enter a world of daring moments, bold journeys and unforgettable adventure in this immersive production of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean.
Complete with swashbucking performances, swashbuckling stunts and dazzling on-stage special effects, an immersive world and spectacle at every turn.
Are there any age restrictions?
Performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings are recommended for ages 18+, and anyone under 16 will not be admitted.
All other performances are recommended for ages 12+, and anyone under 7 will not be admitted. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The show includes clips of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, which is rated 12 and contains scenes of moderate horror and action violence.
Is Secret Cinema presents Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure accessible?
The experience is accessible, and the venue is step free to most areas. For Seated ticket holders, there will also be a viewing area, accessible via a lift, for up to 5 wheelchair users plus companions.
To book accessible tickets, follow this link here.
Essential Companion tickets are available at no additional cost and should be requested via the form, subject to availability.
Which performances include BSL interpretation and subtitles?
There will be access performances scheduled. These will be announced and confirmed at a later date.
Are Assistance Dogs allowed?
Yes.
Assistance dogs attending the show must be fully trained to provide support for their handler and remain calm in dynamic environments with loud noises, flashing lights, and crowds. They should be clearly identified with a vest or harness, remain under control at all times, and not disrupt performances or interactive elements. They should be healthy, fully toilet-trained, and not constitute a hygiene risk. Water bowls will be available on request, otherwise handlers must ensure their dog's needs are met, including breaks and hydration. Please book via the access form so we can make adjustments necessary for your visit.
Do you take group bookings?
Yes. Please head to our group booking page to book General Admission tickets for groups of 10+. For Seated tickets, there is no limit on bookings.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, subject to availabilty.
We recommend booking tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment.
The venue box office opens daily, 90 minutes before each performance time.
How active is Secret Cinema presents: Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure?
Secret Cinema presents Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure is as active as you would like! You are not required to do anything once you've arrived and are welcome to immerse yourself in the production as much or as little as you would like.
All General Admission tickets are standing. All seating tickets have a dedicated seat for you to roam and return to.
How long is Secret Cinema presents Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure?
The performance lasts for approximately 2hrs 30mins.
Although there is no official interval in the experience, there are dedicated free-roam acts where you are free to explore the world, grab some food and drinks, or take a break. The world will be open up to 1 hour before the start of the performance.
How many people will be in Secret Cinema presents Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure at one time?
A maximum of 1,100 people will watch the show at one time.
Is there any intense/strobe lighting?
There are prolonged periods of intense strobe lighting. If you need to know when the strobe lighting occurs, please make yourself known to a member of staff upon arrival to make sure you have all the information you need.
Is the show suitable for neurodiverse audience members?
The show will contain loud music and some loud noises, periods of darkness, flashing lights, theatrical smoke/haze and crowds.
The majority of the experience happens at ground level, although there are some raised areas, mezzanines, and arena seating. We will have ear defenders, ear plugs, and light sensitivity glasses available on request.
Where is the experience taking place?
"Secret Cinema presents Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure takes place at
Secret Cinema Olympic Way Greenwich Peninsula London, SE10
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