The Shadow Players

08/26/2026

This one hurts deeply, and I'm thankful to the Pirates Creed page for this post because other than the chorus of my favorite Dolly song, I have no words.

Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other......

Smoothing sailing, Dolly. I will always love you.
Sorcha

⚓ Fair Winds, Dolly ⚓

From the crew of Pirates Creed, we raise our tankards high and our flags at half mast for a true legend of the seven seas of music.

Dolly Parton was a rare kind of treasure, a soul who could turn a simple song into a story, a stranger into a friend, and a moment into a memory that lasted a lifetime.

She sailed her own course, never needing anyone else's map. With a heart bigger than the ocean and a voice that could fill the sails of any ship, Dolly gave the world songs, laughter, kindness, and a whole lot of love.

So tonight, we gather around the fire, pour one for the lady, and let the old pirate songs ring across the water.

Fair winds, Dolly.
May the seas be calm, the stars guide your way, and the winds forever fill your sails.

You've found your final harbor, lass.

But legends like you never truly leave us.

Your songs will sail on forever. 🏴‍☠️⚓❤️🎶

From our crew to yours…
Raise a glass for Dolly.
Farewell to one hell of a lady.

Pirates Creed 🏴‍☠️

08/26/2026

Hello Shadow supporters, Sorcha Murphy here...

I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to acknowledge one of the best and most colorful pirates ever to grace the high seas of our screens and stage - Tim Curry.

Aside from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland growing up, it was Tim Curry in the best ever film adaptation of Treasure Island (I will die on this hill) that fed my love of pirates. Upon seeing a video of his performance of The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance for the first time a decade ago, something resonated with me. He brought such color and vigor to his roles, but also such range. He had a way of bringing you into the story, feeling right alongside his character, and even when he revealed himself to be the villain, I couldn't hate him. In everything I have ever seen him do, he was so unforgettable. Yet Muppet Treasure Island is one of his roles that sticks with me the most. It was a happy childhood memory replaying the VHS tape countless times, and I one day hope to be as dynamic and iconic a performer and professional pirate as he was.

"True friendship and adventure are what we can't live without
And when you're a professional pirate
That's what the job's about....
But most importantly
When you're a professional pirate
You are always in the best of company!"

Fair winds and following seas, Long John Silver.

08/04/2026

We are so proud of our Captain, Mantiese Sevall aka Pirate Steve of ECU.
Since 2009, he's been representing their Football team, leading them on the field. He was recently featured in "Our State" Magazine during their College Rivalries issue.

He is the Spirit of the Pirare.
PURPLE!!!!

08/01/2026

First show of the Bald Head Island Pirate Invasion is in the books.
Huge wrap-around crowd, and a fantastic volunteer that had us laughing too!

One more show at 4:00pm!

08/01/2026

The Shadow Players are here at Bald Head Island and ready to perform for you!
The Pirate Invasion is underway, and we have a day full of fun festivities and piratical shenanigans for you.

Show times
⚔️11:00am⚔️ ⚔️4:00pm⚔️

Come pay a visit to the encampment of The Cannon Crew, witness the musical stylings of the Motley Tones and Sons of the Sword ( rusty cutlass band ), plus Magic by Jackson.
We hear there will be a battle at sea, a treasure hunt, and that the ghosts will be roaming later tonight!
See you here!

Www.baldheadislandpirateinvasion.com

07/25/2026

With the permission of our members--Cheralyn Lambeth, Alexandria McCormick, Matthew Clay Raines, and Steve Whetzel--and in consultation with our attorney, we, The Shadow Players, make the following statement on their behalf:

It has recently come to our attention that a certain individual has engaged in the unauthorized use of our member's likenesses for their commercial gain. At no time did our members grant consent--verbally or written--to this person. As this individual is misappropriating our members' likenesses to deceive consumers into believing our members are affiliated with, in support of, and/or perform with this individual and their organization, this constitutes false endorsement under tort law. This conduct is a violation of our members' rights of publicity, and an invasion of their privacy. Additionally, North Carolina law protects individuals from having their likenesses used without consent, especially when used for commercial purposes, including but not limited to advertising and recruitment.

We have no ongoing affiliation with this individual. By request of each of our members, a cease-and-desist letter has been sent to this person on their behalf with the demand to remove all exploitative posts that include materials featuring their likenesses.

At this time, we will not be publishing nor disclosing this individual’s name or any other identifying information so as not to incite any further direct or indirect contact. We also do not wish for--nor do we condone--anyone else's involvement on our account in any form or fashion as this is already being handled through the proper legal channels. This notice merely serves as a PSA, and a request to the public to alert us directly via message or email should you come across any social media posts of this nature.

Fair Winds and Following Seas
Shadow Players, LLC.

07/20/2026

A look at our new promotional reel, edited and arranged by our Quartermistress Sorcha Murphy.

Footage by Mickeeyn Michael Robinson from 2024 Beaufort Pirate Invasion.
Music by Brian Tyler, Assassin's Creed Black Flag, "In This World Or The One Below"
(DISCLAIMER: We do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the rightful owner. No copyright infringement intended.)

07/20/2026

We did not get any pictures and videos from our 4th appearance at Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days this past weekend, so we're sharing one of our favorites of our Captain from our first year.

Thank you to so much to Commodore Fin Pj Nagel and the crew of the SMLPD for everything. We are incredibly grateful for the chance to be a part of this annual event, and what has been your gift to your community for the last 13 years and counting. We're also glad for the opportunity to share the stage and field with our friends and family of The Loose Cannon Company / Mr. Willis, Pirates of the Piedmont, and The Mythical Lorelei. It was great to see you all and spend time with you as always.

We're looking forward to 2027, so bring us that horizon.

07/16/2026

2026 is shaping up to be a year full of fantastic voyages and adventures!
Here is a look at our current schedule of confirmed events. These are ones in which contracts have been signed or accords have been struck. Keep a weather eye on this horizon as we will be updating this list once we receive word from more!
Looking to add some thrilling sword fighting and piratical shenanigans to your event this year? Contact us and let's talk!

07/08/2026

Ahoy!!!! The Shadow Players' next port of call is Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days !!!! Join us next Friday July 17 through Sunday July 19 for a weekend of Piratical Shenanigans!

Show times Saturday and Sunday
⚔️11:30am⚔️ ⚔️3:00pm⚔️

Come out and see us, The Loose Cannon Company / Mr. Willis , Pirates of the Piedmont , and Motley Tones !