I have always hoped my young daughter would share my passion for the theatre, and the growing number of shows specifically for children has certainly helped spark an early interest.

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass is the latest such production we have enjoyed together.

Having not read the book (or indeed its predecessor) I must admit I was not aware of the story, and neither was my 7 year-old. We had nothing to fear, however, as the cast brought Flinn, his classmates and a crew of pirate dinosaurs to life.

This particular tale sees Flinn and his friends Pearl and Tom captured by their arch enemy T-Rex as they rehearse their school play.

The trio are taken to a pirate ship where they tussle with the dinosaur pirates and are challenged to find the magic cutlass or face the threat of the dreaded sausage machine.

You would be forgiven for thinking this production involved a cast double the size of the four talented actors who take on a number of roles.

The costume (and accent) changes are seamless and the stage is transformed from school hall to pirate ship using equipment we all remember from PE lessons back in the day.

The puppetry, lighting, singing and sword fighting had my little girl clutching my hand with anticipation, laughing and cheering. And while this show may be aimed at the younger generation, there is certainly enough humour to amuse the grown ups (listen out for the Jurassic Park gag!)

This was also my first visit to Folkestone Quarterhouse. A charming theatre in the heart of the town’s Creative Quarter where the audience felt as involved in the show as the cast.

The show and the venue got a 10 out of 10 from my young companion - and me.

Pirate Flinn and co will also be sailing into Margate, Tonbridge and Maidstone in the coming weeks.

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass is at the Theatre Royal on October 1, EM Forster at Tonbridge School on October 21 and The Hazlitt on October 23rd.

Visit Les Petits Theatre for more venues and information.