THERE was a distinctly nautical flavour at a St Albans theatre this weekend when pirates descended on it.

Students of Best Theatre Arts’ Spring Academy found a motorised pirate ship blocking their way into the SandPit Theatre at Sandringham School in Marshalswick and their parents had to battle their way into the car park to see the show entitled Island of Secrets.

Said Best co-founder, David Bevan: “The boat was a lovely surprise to end what has been a fantastic week.

“Once again the children have invented a wonderful story and thoroughly entertained their parents. But most importantly they’ve had a brilliant time and made loads of friends.”