Olivier Award-winning actor George Maguire has been tapped to portray Captain Jack Sparrow in the upcoming London stage event "Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure." Co-produced by Secret Cinema and TodayTix, the live project has also extended its London schedule by six weeks ahead of its debut, spurred by high ticket demand.
Previews for the interactive production are scheduled to launch on February 16, with the official opening date set for March 10. The staging serves as the maiden production at Secret Cinema's newly established permanent riverside venue situated on London's Greenwich Peninsula.
'Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure' Principal Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| George Maguire | Captain Jack Sparrow |
| Phil Daniels | Captain Barbossa |
| Lily Blunsom | Elizabeth Swann |
| Harrison Wilde | Will Turner |
| Gleanne Purcell-Brown | Anamaria |
Lead Cast and Iconic Roles Revealed
Joining Maguire in the principal cast is veteran actor Phil Daniels, known for his roles in "Quadrophenia" and "EastEnders," as well as his vocal contribution to Blur's "Parklife." Daniels will step into the role of Captain Barbossa. Additional film credits for Daniels include "Chicken Run" and "Scum," with an appearance opposite Olivia Colman in "Wicker" slated for 2026.
Rounding out the primary ensemble, Lily Blunsom will play Elizabeth Swann, Harrison Wilde portrays Will Turner, and Gleanne Purcell-Brown takes on the role of Anamaria. Production officials noted that additional cast members will be confirmed at a later date. Maguire earned his Olivier Award for his portrayal of Dave Davies in the musical "Sunny Afternoon" and has appeared on television in "EastEnders," "Prime Suspect," and "Borgia."
A Shift in Secret Cinema's Theatrical Strategy
Unlike traditional Secret Cinema offerings that present full screenings of films, this stage adaptation marks a shift toward live performance. While using selected excerpts from the original movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," the production primarily emphasizes live storytelling, expansive sets, physical stunts, and a live band across a two-hour experience where audience members can interact directly with characters and explore the environments.
Olivier winner Matt Costain leads the project as director. The production is officially licensed via Disney Theatrical Group. Angelo Desimini, senior vice president of licensed partnerships and brand management for the Disney division, emphasized that the staging offers audiences an innovative look into the franchise's world, including the fictional haven of Tortuga.
Creative Designers and Leadership Behind the Run
The production features a creative roster led by two-time Emmy-winning production designer Jason Sherwood, whose previous design portfolio includes the Oscars broadcasts and "Rent Live." Kait Kerrigan, known for scripting the book for Broadway's "The Great Gatsby," serves as the theatrical adaptor. Olivier winner Alan Williams oversees music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations.
Other behind-the-scenes contributors include fight director Alex Payne, costume designer Susan Kulkarni, casting director Stuart Burt, and wig, hair, and makeup designer Helen Keane from Campbell Young Associates. Merritt Baer, who serves as artistic director and producer at Secret Cinema as well as president and co-founder of parent company TodayTix Group, highlighted that the experience is designed to immerse theatergoers fully inside the narrative environment.
TodayTix acquired Secret Cinema in 2022, with Baer taking leadership in 2024. The organization previously produced major events including "Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical," alongside productions themed around "Stranger Things," "Guardians of the Galaxy: The Live Experience," and "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back." With preview performances arriving in mid-February, the Greenwich Peninsula space will soon transition into regular operations as the permanent base for the immersive company's theatrical programming.
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Source: Variety
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