Synopsis
Filled with adventure, excitement, mystery, humour and fantasy, Captain Pathos and his Army of Imaginary Friends is tale exploring the imaginations of children and how they use them to gain a sense of the world around them. Playwright David Burton has not only created a magical play which is entertaining to watch but it also provides us with an educational experience, illustrating elements of friendship, responsibility and redemption.
Captain Pathos and his Army of Imaginary Friends tells the story of a ten year-old boy named Martin who has invisible friends. This journey begins with Martin having lunch in the playground, playing and going on an adventure with his imaginary friends. All is fun and games until someone gets hurt, in this case Rose, who is accidentally hit by a slingshot. As a result of Martin’s actions his classroom teacher Mrs Duffy confiscates his slingshot for the rest of the term and tells him that his parents will be hearing of this incident in a parent-teacher interview.
Our adventure unfolds with Martin running away on the evening of parent-teacher interviews into the dark and eerie environment of his classroom. However, he is not alone. He is joined by his imaginary friends who include a ninja, Sir Francis Drake, an alien, the best cuddler in the world and a young man who does not realise he’s painted bright blue. Together they explore and ransack the desks looking for exciting objects. Martin discovers a book of strange languages in Rose’s desk and decides she is a witch. Spotting the ‘naughty corner’ sign in the classroom, Martin tears it down with great vengeance. This throws the room into chaos as Martin and his imaginary friends overturn desks, throw objects on the floor and build forts creating complete destruction.
Martin decides he needs his slingshot back, but it is locked in Ms Duffy’s desk. A quest to find the key to the desk begins! All of sudden, the characters are on a boat, battling through a wild storm. They make it through together and end up landing on an island. The friends continue on, walking through a jungle, heading towards a huge castle, when out of the trees appears three giant super bird guards. These birds want Martin and his friends to leave, but after fighting a battle, Martin and his army of imaginary friends are victorious. They defeat the birds and keep heading for the castle. It isn’t just any ordinary castle though, Martin is shocked to see that the castle has the naughty corner sign on it, only now it is huge!
Once inside the castle, the friends meet a new character, Echo. He is hilarious and is sure to make any child laugh with his cheeky mimicking. Martin and his friend Sir Frank, step through a mirror that Echo has pulled out to show them. This takes them to a whole new place, ‘The Memory Room’.
Soon after, Martin returns to his friends and together they return to the class room, only to find that Rose is there and she can see his imaginary friends too! Then, just to surprise everyone even more, she brings out her imaginary friend for everyone to meet. This causes an uproar, but once it has all calmed down, Martin remembers he is still looking for the Ms Duffy’s desk key. He then realises that Rose has it and won’t give it back to him. After a fight, Rose gives in. She gives the key to Martin, who is now faced with a choice. He must use all the lessons he has learnt from his wild adventure and attempt to find reconciliation.
Characters who had been fighting apologise and forgive each other and Martin’s parents let him know that they love him no matter what. The play ends in peace. Everyone is friends and they say goodbye to the audience. They have realised that because they have each other, they will never be alone.