Captain's Coming
Mid-20th century-present ยท UK / Commonwealth
Also known as Captain's Orders, Ship to Shore, Port and Starboard
A caller plays ship's captain and barks commands (hit the deck, swab the deck, crow's nest, man overboard); the last player to perform each action correctly is out.
Known for
- Listening and physical-commitment warm-up used by drama teachers, Scouts, and Guides across the UK and Commonwealth.
- On 'Captain's Coming!' everyone must freeze at attention saluting until 'At ease', a built-in stillness trap.
- Commands mix solo mimes (swab the deck, climb the rigging) with group formations (rowboat, lifeboat) that force fast teaming.
- Descended from the Simon Says listening-game family; widely cited as a year-12 drama warm-up.
Connected to
Concepts
Listeningensemble