All the swashbuckling action amalgamated from various sources takes place on land and sea in this action-packed one man show created and performed by the highly accomplished actor and writer William Hartley.
Cutlass is the high-energy story about the anti-hero pirate Captain Springsmile Jack, aka “the Scarlett Pimpernel of the seven seas”. Whose hanging in a “gibbet” on the ship awaiting to be executed the next day. However, he is a pirate and unlikely to go to his death without a fight.
Hartley gives a strong performance throughout the play. Changing quickly between characters and voices. There’s a lot of sword fighting and action upon the waves of the sea as you’d expect with a play about a pirate. Especially one who was on a quest to find out who stole his treasure and, more importantly, killed his wife, who was the love of his life!
The stage has three sail masts drapped at the back of the stage, setting the ship scenes up nicely. The main scene setting comes from the fantastic range of sound effects that depict the swashbuckling sword fights, busy streets, and the sound of the sea.
The timing of the dialogue fits in precisely with all the atmospheric sound effects. Throughout the play, Hartley delivers some brilliant comedy one-liners while he plays two characters engaged in conversation.
The energy that Hartley puts into the sole performance is visible by the end as he is drenched in perspiration and looks exhausted. The length of dialogue delivered alone is impressive, and then add in the action and sound effects timings, and you realise that you are watching a very talented and charismatic actor.
For more information about Cutlass and future productions at The Glitch in Waterloo, please use the link below.
Four and a Half Stars.
Running from Wednesday, July 29th, through to Monday, August 3rd, 2026.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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