A Little Mermaid JR

Taking my seat inside Urmston Grammar Theatre, I was immediately struck by the vibrant, colourful world that had been created onstage. Even before the first note was sung, the auditorium promised an underwater adventure bursting with imagination. The array of bright stage pieces, carefully arranged to evoke the depths of the ocean, set the tone beautifully. Centre stage sat a projection screen that became an integral part of the storytelling, offering a series of atmospheric visuals that shifted seamlessly from shimmering waves to eerie caverns. These projections added an extra layer of magic, enhancing transitions and helping the young cast transport the audience from scene to scene with clarity and flair.

In addition to the projections, a raised rostrum took pride of place at the heart of the set. This clever structure allowed for dynamic staging, giving performers multiple levels to work with and helping to create the illusion of movement through the ocean. Whether used for Ariel’s moments of longing or Ursula’s dramatic entrances, the rostrum added depth and dimension to the production.

I have to take my hat off to Urmston Musical Theatre Juniors for their creative and imaginative set design. My favourite moment of the afternoon was the ingenious boat sequence. With nothing more than a simple piece of brown material pulled into a triangular formation and a ship’s wheel placed centre stage, the team conjured a fully realised vessel. It was seamless, effective, and a perfect example of how thoughtful design can elevate a youth production without overwhelming it. The audience instantly understood the setting, and the cast used the space with confidence.

A special mention must go to the three girls who portrayed the ‘waves’ throughout the show. Their presence added a unique theatricality to the production, and their timing, accuracy of movement, and smooth transitions were consistently impressive. They glided across the stage with purpose, enhancing musical numbers and scene changes with a fluidity that mirrored the ocean itself. Well done to the three performers who took on this role, you were a joy to watch.

Costume design was another standout element. The production team clearly invested a great deal of thought and detail into every piece. With a show like The Little Mermaid JR, costumes play a crucial role in bringing the story to life, and here they succeeded wonderfully. From shimmering scales to flowing fabrics, each character looked distinct and visually engaging. My favourite costume of the evening was Sebastian’s, an absolute triumph of creativity. Bright, bold, and instantly recognisable, it captured the character’s charm without ever becoming distracting or cumbersome.

Ariel, played by Eve McManus, delivered a heartfelt and beautifully considered performance. Eve demonstrated a strong understanding of Ariel’s emotional journey, shifting her tone of voice and body language to reflect the character’s innocence, curiosity, and determination. Her musical number was sung with warmth and sincerity, showcasing both her vocal ability and her connection to the role. Eve’s portrayal had a gentle authenticity that made Ariel’s longing for the human world feel genuine and relatable. Prince Eric, played by Sebastian McKinnon, brought a calm confidence to the stage. His dialogue was delivered with clarity and poise, and he maintained excellent diction throughout. Sebastian’s performance had a natural ease to it, and he handled the character’s charm and bravery with maturity. His scenes with Ariel were tender and well‑balanced, helping to anchor the emotional core of the story.

Lexi Kilcourse was fantastic as Sebastian. What I particularly admired was Lexi’s restraint, this is a character that can easily be overplayed, but Lexi approached it with control and nuance. Her comedic timing was sharp, her physicality was expressive without being exaggerated, and her musical number was performed with great energy. Lexi’s interpretation felt fresh and well‑judged, making Sebastian one of the standout performances of the evening. Flounder, played by Ava O’Neil, brought a lovely warmth to the stage. Ava captured Flounder’s loyalty and nervous charm with ease, offering a performance full of sincerity. Her interactions with Ariel were sweet and believable, and she handled her musical moments with confidence.

Ursula, played by Niamh Halliday, delivered some truly powerful vocals. Niamh embraced the villainous grandeur of the role, giving Ursula a commanding presence that dominated every scene she appeared in. Her musical number was a highlight, filled with attitude and vocal strength. King Triton, played by Joshua Frodsham, brought authority and gravitas to the production. Joshua’s performance was measured and confident, and he portrayed Triton’s protective nature with clarity. His later appearance as the Chef was a delightful contrast, full of humour and exaggerated characterisation. This role had the audience laughing throughout, and Joshua demonstrated excellent versatility in switching between the two characters.

Grimsby, played by Jacob Dolby, offered a well‑spoken and composed performance. Jacob handled the character’s formal mannerisms with ease, adding a touch of sophistication to the scenes he appeared in. Flotsam, played by Penelope McKay‑Gaffney, was brilliant. Penelope brought a mischievous energy to the role, and her interactions with Jetsam were sharp and well‑timed. Jetsam, played by Charlotte King, matched this energy perfectly. Charlotte delivered a great performance, full of character and commitment, helping to make the villainous duo memorable and entertaining.

The choreography throughout the production was excellent. Maisie Lucas, who I normally see front and centre in productions, took a different route by choreographing the Juniors, and what a fantastic job she did. Maisie clearly has an eye for choreography that suits a range of abilities, ensuring every performer had movement that supported their strengths. I particularly liked how she incorporated choreography from the moment performers entered the stage rather than waiting for them to reach their positions. This added flow and professionalism to each number. I am very much looking forward to seeing more of Maisie’s choreography work in future productions.

Directors Vicki O’Hare and Alexandra McKay‑Gaffney did a fantastic job guiding this young cast. Their direction ensured the story was clear, the pacing was tight, and the performers understood their characters. The production felt cohesive and well‑structured, demonstrating the directors’ skill in working with youth performers. Musical Director Ellena Wood ensured the vocals were strong, confident, and well‑supported. The harmonies were clean, the ensemble numbers were full of energy, and the cast clearly felt secure under Ellena’s musical guidance.

Overall, this was a wonderful piece of work from Urmston Musical Theatre Juniors. You certainly have a talented group of young performers supported by a dedicated creative team. The production was imaginative, heartfelt, and full of joy.

Thank you once again for your kind hospitality and warm welcome. I look forward to seeing you all again very soon.

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