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Staggering Starfish, Its Captain Pugwash!

Captain Pugwash was a pirate of the high seas who commanded the Black Pig. He was the hero of many tales of bravery and daring, recorded by John Ryan. Although often seen as a children's character, he is a figurehead for many adults. As he would tell you himself, his ruthless cunning made him a daunting enemy, and the name of the Black Pig was enough to strike fear into the heart of any sea-faring captain. Click on the picture to hear him speak (23k)

He was supported in his adventures by his able crew. Click on the characters to hear them speak- they consisted of (from left to right) Pirate Barnabas (29k), Master Mate (35k) and Pirate Willy (83k).

There was also Tom (25k), the irritating cabin boy.

His sworn enemy was Cut-throat Jake (28k), pirate captain of the Flying Dustman and his band of ruffians.

Urban Myth

Contrary to popular belief, the names of his crew were not particularly smutty. 'Master Bates', 'Seaman Staines' and 'Roger the Cabin Boy' (plus the later addition of 'Simon the Bar Steward') being the names often quoted as proving the programme's dodginess. The Guardian was not the only publication which had to make an apology after printing the story that the BBC had withdrawn the program after finding out the dodgy names. It is a shame, but unfortunately John Ryan did not choose these names. They would have made the program even better, though.

The story may have come about from the name "Master Mate", which seems to have sometimes been slightly mispronounced. In the episode Fair Exchange (BBC video, "Seafaring Tales"), part of Pugwash's final line doesn't sound quite like it is supposed to. Click on the seedy looking picture of Pugwash to hear the clip (25k) - his voice certainly could be misconstrued!

Captain Pugwash was brought out of retirement to film a new series. This story was taken from AOL:

Captain Pugwash Takes To The High Seas Once More

Those of a certain age, will no doubt recall with fond memories the cries of 'Heigh ho me hearties!' from the full-figured pirate, Captain Pugwash. It was announced this week that he is to return to our screens after an eleven-year break.

The lucky old chap has been relocated to the Carribean and may even find himself surro(u)nded by nubile young women, with the introduction of female characters, as well as Americans and Chinese. Old favourites Tom, the Cabin Boy and Cut-Throat Jake will be back, too.

The original series sparked talk of adult innuendo in a programme definitely aimed at children. Sorry to spoil the myth, but it seems that naughty readings of this salty tale were unfounded. Certain characters, who will remain nameless, just didn't exist. The new 26 part series (which is to cost a cool Ł1.5million) will be animated and will be completed in the autumn of 1998.

(This story was taken from an AOL website in 1997)

John Ryan's page
A Pugwash Page
A Captain Pugwash home page
Urban Legends Reference Page
The Penguin John Ryan page
The Captain Pugwash Trumpet Hornpipe

I have another pirate page, about Thomas Tew, who was possibly my g7 great-uncle. He had much more short-term success than Captain Pugwash. He had a little less long-term success though, reportedly having his guts shot out in 1695.

The background music you can hopefully hear is a rendition of the Trumpet Hornpipe, the tune usually associated with the great Captain. I am looking for a midi file, NOT a wav file- thanks to everybody who has sent me wav files, but I was after a midi file :-), of the actual signature tune- please mail me at the email address below. If you cannot hear the signature tune press here (2.4k).