Arrr! It's a pirate's life...

From making the set and props, learning about the technical side of producing a show, to memorising the scripts, the 51 youngsters have had a busy week.

Some of the children went on to learn about acting, singing and dancing under the careful eye of musical director Lou Bundy.

Katrina Henderson, community engagement officer at the Southsea theatre, said: ‘This is an amazing opportunity, to work and learn in a theatre that has had the likes of Laurel and Hardy, Dawn French and Gracie Fields tread the same boards.

‘Each child should leave the workshops with a good understanding of how a production is put together – who knows, it may inspire them to go on and work in the theatre industry.’

Tonight will see them show off their hard work, as they perform The Pirates of the Curry Bean for friends and family.

Anyone interested in future workshops e-mail [email protected]