About the Pyrates of Portobello

All About the Pyrates of Portobello

The Pyrates of Portobello (also known as PoP to their fans) is a Renaissance era, pirate-themed performance troupe whose skills include improvisational comedy and music. PoP has performed at renaissance festivals throughout the Midwest as well as guest appearances at the Southern California Renaissance Faire, Scarborough Faire and the Texas Renaissance Festival. PoP has also performed for numerous private parties and events.

PoP was founded by James Jordan in 2001 during his work at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival (MRF). Jim had performed in a number of roles during his time with MRF but the pirate character had been a favorite since he first started attending fests as a playtron (a patron that plays along in costume) years before. His character now known as Captain Wycked Jack Bastyrd has become his mainstay with the occasional foray into other, more "eccentric" characters.

With the seed for PoP firmly planted in his head Wycked Jack went looking for a crew. In 2002 he recruited his First Mate and heterosexual life friend, Obediah Jib (David Zenz) right out of the Academy. Jib and Wycked Jack hit it off well and with Jib's in-depth knowledge of history, particularly pirate lore, he was the perfect addition to PoP. For the next two years Wycked Jack and Jib successfully worked the streets of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and Siouxland Renaissance Festival entertaining thousands of patrons. Dave is also in charge of the "Squib Recruitment and Training Program" that PoP developed to find and train new talent for the troupe. In addition Jib began singing great backing vocals in 2005!

In 2003 Wycked Jack met Michelle Peltier while working at MRF and fell madly in love... luckily she did too! In 2004 Michelle joined PoP as Charlotte de Berry, the retired yet renowned English pirate captain of the 17th century who disguised herself as a man to be with her love in the navy. Let us just say there is no mistaking our Charlotte is a woman! Michelle not only brought strong improv and comedy skills to the troupe but also her incredible singing voice as PoP's lead soprano and Music Director.

In searching for a name for this grew of ne'er-do-wells, Michelle suggested "Pyrates of Portobello" and the crew agreed. Not just a mushroom, Portobello is Spanish for "beautiful port" and was a major port in the Caribbean as important as New York City or Washington D.C. to the history of the Western Hemisphere. More than a just a dot on the map, Portobello is a town on the Caribbean coast of Panama that was a center for shipping the gold and silver out of South America. It was ripe for pirating and suited us right down to our skull and crossbones!

Early in 2005 Rosie Blume, joined PoP as their resident mermaid and 2nd soprano. Every crew needs a mermaid and Bella Luna was found tangled in abandoned fishing nets off the coast of Portugal as she sang her siren song for help. Rosie brought her wonderful voice and harmonies but alas, other commitments take her from us this year. Rosie travels quite a distance to be with us each performance and for that we are most grateful. Thanks for your efforts Rosie!

In addition to the main crew PoP has been joined by Bosun's Mate Smythers (Jake Brossard) and Ship's Carpenter Robair (Ryan Dahn). They've also had many guests and past members perform with them throughout their history and more are joining them this year!

We'll be performing at private parties and festivals in the Midwest again this year as well as local venues around the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Be sure to check their schedule for more information and thanks to all the fans!

PoP Timeline:

2002 - Jordan as Wycked Jack decides running a performance troupe can't be all that hard. Boy was he in for a surprise!

2003 - Wycked Jack recruits Jib right out of Academy and the two sail the streets of MRF as a successful improv duo.

Near the end of the 2003 MRF run Wycked Jack meets Charlotte deBerry and falls in love - performing the "Uber Woo". In the process he seriously neglects his street presence and is brought back in line by First Mate Jib!

2004 - Wycked Jack, Jib and Charlotte are searching for a crew name and a ship. Charlotte hits on the idea of the "Pyrates of Portobello."

Portobello is Spanish for "beautiful port" and is located on Caribbean coast of Panama. It was a major port for Spanish treasure ships.

PoP's off season is spent writing more street bits and working on music.

2005 - After an exhaustive pre-season rehearsal schedule PoP returns to Siouxland for a the "Mudfest" where heavy rains dampen attendees but performers spirits remain high. A good time was had by all in spite of ankle deep mud and knee deep water in some areas of the fest!

PoP hits the streets of MRF again in 2005 and is a great success in both music and street improv with kudos by patrons, management and fellow performers alike! PoP is asked to perform for the Queen's Breakfast and Dinner, at the Queen's Pub, Irish Cottage and Witchwood and Bear Stages.

In the Fall of 2005 PoP receives their Letter of Marque from the Queen and signs Articles of Accord with Captain Morgan and later Captain Scurvy Bill of the Bloodwake.

More to follow!