Are you ready to set sail at Lanternhouse this winter? Ahead of our re-imagined telling of Treasure Island, we’ve got some fun facts about pirates to share with you! Find out more from writer, Ross McKay.
Watch Ross’ video or read below to find out!
Hello landlubbers, my name is Ross MacKay. I have adapted Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, Treasure Island for the stage. I have learnt a lot of things while I have been adapting this story. And today I wanted to share my top 5 favourite facts about Pirates.
Although the vast majority of pirates were men, there were women pirates as well. Pirates such as Mary Read and Anne Bonney became famous for their exploits. Some women would also pose as men to board pirate ships, meaning there might have been many more women on these ships than records suggest.
Edward Thatch or Teach, also known as Blackbeard, was one of the most feared pirates of all time. Before capturing a ship, he would weave hemp into his beard that he would set on fire, to strike fear into the ship’s crew.
Some historians think eye patches were not just worn due to missing eyes. An eye patch was instead worn so that one eye would always be adjusted to the darkness below deck. This meant when you went below deck you didn’t need to wait for your eyes to adjust.
Every pirate ship had a strict code of conduct known as articles that had to be followed. Some even had basic forms of welfare, making sure any pirate who became sick or impaired was still paid their share.
There are no records of pirate ships keeping parrots as a pet. This myth seems to have been created by Robert Louis Stevenson, who famously gave the pirate Long John Silver, a parrot as a pet.
These are just some of my favourite pirate facts. If you want to set sail with Scotland’s most swashbuckling, seas-shanty singing pirates this winter then make your way to Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse and pick up a ticket for Treasure Island. It’s going to be quite the adventure.
There is plenty happening at Cumbernauld Theatre just now. We wanted to take a moment to update you on where we are at, what is coming up, and what is happening behind the scenes as we plan for the future.
5 Aug 2025
Due to travel limitations and public safety concerns with Storm Floris, The Ultimate Irish Hooley will not go ahead tonight (Mon 4 Aug). Ticket refunds are being processed.
We hope to reschedule for next year and apologise for any inconvenience.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for high winds across North Lanarkshire. Please take care and stay safe.
4 Aug 2025
Ginger and Jester Productions announces the cast for its upcoming panto at Cumbernauld Theatre, Baltic, written by Jerry Taylor. The lineup includes Alex Robertson of Still Game fame and two talented graduates of the local New College Lanarkshire, making their panto debuts on the Cumbernauld stage.
3 Jul 2025