Once again, the ever-popular Pirates of the Pavilion are back in Weymouth and after almost a week in to performances the Dorset Echo decided to head down and see what the fuss was all about.

Promised to be bigger and better than the last there’s no doubt Lee Redwood and his team pulled out all the stops.

But things started to go wrong five minutes into the performance when a delayed sound effect caused Redwood to drop character and let out a laugh. However, as the performance continued each missed line, trip and unscripted joke the performance only got funnier, more raucous and more entertaining.

Charlotte Allen and Robert Squire returned as Buccaneer Becky and Captain Filibuster and Redwood took up his role as Dame evil Demonia the sea witch. But this year Liam Mellor joined the crew of the Saucy Sally as Seadog Billie and he was definitely an asset. Going off-piste more often than not and slipping in as many asides as he could, Mellor had the other cast members fighting to hold their composure and in turn making the audience descend into hysterics.

For those who dread the thought of sitting through two hours of children’s squeaky-clean entertainment, fear not, this is a show the whole family can enjoy. While the stage, the effects and the glitz and glamour keep the kids wide-eyed, the humour is certainly written for the adults. With a reference to Theresa May, a quip at Weymouth’s lasers and Mellor occasionally slipping into stand-up this is show you can confidently go and see with or without the nippers.

The kids, as always, were mesmerised by the no holds barred effects including a no wires hovering jet pack which flew over the front row. But it was the fearsome sea monster which really stole the show being met by gasps but proved too ferocious for one toddler.

At times, the sound quality was poor and it was difficult to hear what was being said or song lyrics which dampened the magic a touch and the video sections used at the beginning and for a journey across the sea were far too long, not particularly relevant and interrupted the flow of the story.

The script is definitely geared towards locals with a lot of references to local landmarks and topical jokes at Weymouth’s expense which enhances the show for those who know the area but may change its reception if you’re new to town.

If you’re after a perfectly polished performance, this might not be your bag but if an evening full of belly-laughs, subtle jibes and good old-fashioned slapstick are up your alley, all while keeping the kids entertained then Pirates of the Pavilion is a must-see.