Pirates of the ACAribbean (Acadepitch): theSpace @ Niddry St Lower Theatre
19th August 2025
★★★
Following sold out shows over the last two years at the Edinburgh Fringe, AcadePitch are back with a cappella jukebox fantasy swashbuckling adventure. The pirates are in search for a long-lost artifact: the golden pitchpipe, but the British navy are hot on their tail. Will the pirates be successful or will they be brought to justice?
The main problem with this show is the fact that almost half of the hour long set is taken up with a comedy script that doesn’t particularly land with the audience. When AcadePitch actually sing the arrangements are well done and the audience definitely respond better. At times the vocals, lack depth and confidence and this does put them at a disadvantage compared to some of the other a cappella shows on at the this year’s Fringe.
The set is varied with the Moana mashup with Riptide being a particular hit. It’s clear that these performers can sing, but they are not always in time with each other and singing as one. Whether this is an issue with the mics or with confidence, it is a shame because they clearly really enjoy what they are doing. As mentioned before the arrangements are generally good it’s just a shame that they’re aren’t enough songs included to shown off what this group are best at.
Whilst it is understandable that a cappella groups are trying to add the concept of a story to stand out from the many a cappella groups which are performing, particularly during this week, it should not be at the detriment to the songs and this piece felt very biased towards the acting and almost rely too heavily on the comedic impersonations rather than focusing on the reason why the audiences are actually there which is to see them sing.
However the set list is varied and there are some very good vocals so if you’re into pirates with a dash of a cappella on the side, then this is the show for you.
For more information and tickets click here.
AD – PR invite in exchange for a honest review.
Musical Manda 
I must disagree, I watched a few of these shows today including Aca-Pirates. It was listed on edfringe as a musical acappella comedy, not an acappella showcase, so the scenes and comedy are to be expected surely? In any case, there was still plenty of music. Furthermore, the audience loved it! The golden pipe joke at the end landed with everyone around me at least, perhaps you saw it on another day?
P.S. *there
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That’s the beauty of live theatre and Fringe. We all have different views and opinions. Glad you enjoyed the show!
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