Roving the high seas. Waving swords while ordering people to do things to the rigging. Drinking rum and terrorising empires. Being a pirate has long captured people’s imaginations, despite the scurvy, seasickness and illegality of it all. But if your mental image of pirates is thick beards and manly shanties, then there’s a whole bunch of iconic pirates you need to meet.

Birmingham, you might think your landlocked location means you are safe from piracy, but with all those canals it might be wise to learn about some fearsome, fabulous female pirates from around the world, and learn what it takes to be a she on the high seas.

From stowaways and adventurers on British ships, to former sex workers turned scourge of empires in China, to the Irish pirate queen who demanded and got a meeting with Elizabeth I, these are some of the most resourceful, intriguing and salty women in history.

Come along the Victoria, right next to New Street station, and get some tips on how to begin your own career as a female pirate.

This event is free entry but if you enjoyed the show please feel free to make a donation at the end to help us cover costs and generally swell our stock of doubloons and pieces of eight.