The crew has spoken—The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read is making waves at the Blackfriars Playhouse. Packed with sword fights, sea shanties, and a story that celebrates charting your own course, this world-premiere adventure is one audiences can’t stop talking about. Before you set sail, catch a glimpse of the adventure in our trailer below.
WATCH THE TRAILER
SEE WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING
Full of heart, humor, and harmony, The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read captures everything audiences love about the ASC—music, mischief, and connection under Shared Light. We caught their reactions right as they stepped out of the Blackfriars Playhouse, still laughing, singing, and swept up in the joy of it all.
A BOATLOAD OF FUN
At The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read, audiences lean in, laugh out loud, and join the action—each reaction shaping the story as it unfolds under Shared Light.
“It was hilarious.”
“It was absolutely amazing. It was super fun.”
“Sit on the stage if you can. This is a good one to sit on the stage.”
“And it was a boatload of fun and we all need a boatload of fun right now.”
“If you want an evening out where you can laugh and take in theater, be in a whole group of people and community, this is the place to be.”
ENDLESS LAUGHS AND SLAPSTICK MOMENTS
Full of quick wit and wild comedy, these pirates keep everyone laughing from bow to stern.
“A lot of fun and very funny.”
“I just like the slapstick. There was just a lot of slapstick and it was great.”
“Loved the combination of history, theater, spirit, music. It was just so much fun.”
“I thought it captured theater magic. Between the music and the singing and the choreography and the fighting, it had all the things that a good theatrical performance should contain.”
“I think it’s pretty exciting that there were lady pirates in the 18th century.”
SONGS, DANCING, AND SHARED LIGHT
Whether it’s your first show at the Blackfriars Playhouse or your fiftieth, this one leaves its mark.
“I liked the part where there were all of the birds. That was definitely the best part.”
“And we sang along too, which was wonderful.”
“It involves the audience. Yes. Yeah. A lot of audience involvement.”
“It was so well done. Full of action, humor, dancing, music.”
“It was awesome. It was probably the best play I’ve ever watched and I’ve only ever watched one other.”
PLAN YOUR WEEKEND ESCAPE IN STAUNTON, VIRGINIA
Plan your trip to see The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read as part of a Staunton weekend getaway. Known as one of Virginia’s most beautiful small towns, Staunton in the Shenandoah Valley offers theatre at the Blackfriars Playhouse, local food, wine, and unforgettable charm—all in one perfect escape.
- Experience Live Theatre at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA, where the American Shakespeare Center brings Shakespeare to life in its re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor stage.
- Discover Downtown Staunton, where historic streets lead you to boutique shops, art galleries, and locally loved cafés.
- Sip Your Way Along the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, with stops like Ox-Eye Vineyards’ tasting room in downtown Staunton, Barren Ridge Vineyards in nearby Fishersville, and scenic wineries just a short drive from the Playhouse.
Pair an evening at the Blackfriars Playhouse with days of exploring, and your Staunton weekend will be one to remember. Whether you’re here for Shakespeare, a romantic weekend, or a family trip, Staunton offers something unforgettable.