Pirate pupils walk the stage

Tow parrots played by Isaac Hancock and Noah Laursen

Swashbuckling pirates and mesmerising mermaids took the stage last Wednesday night to portray a rivalry as old as time, as the pupils of Pembroke School performed Pirates versus Mermaids.

Held at the Stratford High School hall, the Pembroke School's biennial production was filled with clever one-liners, catchy songs and some funky dance moves.

Pirate Jog: Some of the pupils on stage

Friends, families and whanau were introduced to the trainee pirates of 'Me Hearty High School', the most distinguished pirate school on the seven seas. The scallywags, led by top student Captain Scarypants' (Loegan Petia), couldn't pass their pirate exams without first learning to swim.

Neveah Greenway, Samantha Nordstrom and Sophiia Buckthought played some of the mermaids

Despite the historical rivalry between her mermaids and the pirates, Mermaid Boss, played by Mya Baskin, and her enchanting friends came to the rescue of the trainee pirates.

Pembroke School principal Caroline Beissel says the pupils had worked really hard learning their lines, songs and dance moves.

Ashlyn Crawford played a member of the pirate crew.

"I think we can all agree they had put on a wonderful performance they can all be proud of."

Caroline says it was thanks to all the parent help and volunteers for their hard work with costumes and set design that made the performance such a success.