The Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise is being transformed into a new production coming to London.
EastEnders veteran Phil Daniels is set to swap Albert Square for the high seas after landing the role of Captain Barbossa in the project.
The actor will star alongside Olivier award winner George Maguire, who is taking on the role of Captain Jack Sparrow, in the world premiere of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure.
The production will begin previews on 16 February 2027 before officially opening on 10 March at Secret Cinema’s new purpose-built flagship venue at Greenwich Peninsula in London.
George, one of the three original actors to play Billy Elliot in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, will step into the boots of the eccentric pirate famously portrayed on screen by Johnny Depp.
Phil, meanwhile, is best known to soap fans for playing Kevin Wicks in BBC One’s EastEnders, while his film credits include the cult British classic Quadrophenia, in which he played Jimmy Cooper.
The actor also appeared in the comedy series The Pickwick Papers and the film Scum, alongside his extensive television and theatre career.
The new production will also feature Lily Blunsom as Elizabeth Swann, Harrison Wilde as Will Turner and Gleanne Purcell-Brown as Anamaria.
The characters were originally brought to the big screen in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, which starred Johnny as Jack Sparrow, Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa, Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann and Orlando Bloom as Will Turner.
The film launched a blockbuster franchise that went on to produce five instalments, with Johnny’s portrayal of the unpredictable pirate becoming one of his most recognisable roles.
The new immersive production comes amid continuing interest in the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, including discussions surrounding a possible sixth instalment and whether Johnny could return as Jack Sparrow.
Unlike a conventional cinema screening, the Secret Cinema production will place audiences inside the action, combining live performances, elaborate sets and selected footage from the original film.
The show will be directed by Olivier award winner Matt Costain, with two-time Emmy award winner Jason Sherwood serving as production designer.
In a statement, Secret Cinema said the production “places live theatrical storytelling at its heart”, with selected clips from The Curse of the Black Pearl incorporated into the experience rather than a full screening of the film.
The company added: “Over two swashbuckling hours, audiences will be swept up into a world of pirates, rogues and unlikely heroes, with Captain Jack Sparrow at the centre of the mayhem – and one thrilling difference; you're not just watching the adventure unfold, you're part of it.”
Phil, 67, has also worked in music, most notably providing vocals on Blur’s Britpop hit Parklife.
His more recent screen credits include Wicker, alongside Olivia Colman, while his official Secret Cinema biography says he has recorded an album of original material scheduled for release in 2027.
George previously won the Olivier award for best actor in a supporting role in a musical for his portrayal of Dave Davies in Sunny Afternoon, which told the story of the Kinks.
The production has also been extended by six weeks following demand for tickets, with performances now advertised until 6 June 2027.
Tickets start at £49.
Merritt Baer, artistic director and producer of Secret Cinema, said the production was “exactly the kind of show we've been building towards”.
He said: “Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean is everything we love about immersive entertainment. It’s bold, mischievous, wildly entertaining and filled with characters and a world you can't help but want to explore. And with this production, we're inviting audiences to do exactly that.
“Expect adventure, surprises, spectacular performances, a little chaos and plenty of opportunities to get swept up in the fun. We've taken everything Secret Cinema does best and pushed it further than ever before, creating a new kind of theatrical experience where the story doesn’t just happen in front of you – it happens all around you.”
Angelo Desimini, senior vice-president of licensed partnerships and brand management at Disney Theatrical Group, said: “Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean has always been about transporting audiences into a world of extraordinary characters, unforgettable adventures and, above all, tremendous fun.
“What excites us about this production is the opportunity to bring that spirit to life through exceptional theatrical talent and immersive storytelling. Secret Cinema has assembled a remarkable team to create an experience that is both artistically ambitious and wonderfully entertaining.”
Tickets are available through TodayTix and the production’s official website.
