Disney The Little Mermaid

It was lovely to be back to watch another of your productions and to be greeted so warmly  and to see so 
many excited young people all dressed up ready to be entertained. Disney The Little Mermaid is a wellknown story with memorable lyrics and magical moments based on the Hans Christian Anderson story.

It was very interesting to see that your initialled proscenium arch which is normally evident was not on view 
and when I asked, I was told it had been removed to enhance the view for the purpose of the production. 
When looking out to the stage the black backcloth and surrounding walls of the stage with the smoke gave a 
sinister feel. It was evident that there was a wave like pattern at the top of the stage which I presume was the 
waters edge. The upper stage front had a hinged part which had been painted to represent either 
underwater or seashore with sea grass and railings, I was a little confused when there was the underwater in 
the palace unless it was meant to represent wallpaper.  The addition of a steps both stage left and right in 
front of the entrances was great and well used by Ariel. There were two rocks placed at the top of the stairs 
and an illuminated sign telling us what we were going to watch. Either side of the stage there were large 
umbrella like structures representing jelly fish I presume, which looked impressive and their movement 
added detail to when used during a musical number. The deck of the ship on two layers was effective but I 
was puzzled why it appeared to be night time I don’t think I missed a comment about the time of day. I totally 
understood the need for a darker feeling when the storm happened. The seaweed like streamers, pillars and 
cut out flats added detail to King Triton’s home.  I liked the addition of a door stage left above the steps which 
opened and showed all Ariel’s treasurers and the way Triton destroyed them was great. Ursula’s lair was 
suitably evil with its decorated purple flats, large cauldron and blowing flames, it might have been more 
effective to have these working when the scene opened. The clothes and flats used to show the Price’s 
palace added opulence and I thought the flown in table was clever although the view of backstage at the 
top of Ariel’s arched bedroom window was distracting. The props both large and small were well sourced and 
the cast used them efficiently. The triton and shell for the voice were brilliant. The stage crew worked 
extremely hard to change the many scenes which meant they were on view and I did wonder if the cast 
could have assisted which might have made the transitions smoother.

Obviously, your purchase of a new sound desk certainly made a difference. The text and song lyrics could be 
easily distinguished. The only time I missed a few words was when the Prince sang in the quartet but he was 
performing with a powerful group.  The sound effects used during the performance were numerous and 
added to the feel of the scenes.

A variety of lights were used during this performance. There were gobo’s which projected patterns both on 
the stage and stage surround, spotlights on the stage and audience blinders both stage left and right.  The 
lighting plot had many different moods and feelings to portray the scenes the Prince’s palace was brightly lit
but I did find the underwater scenes a little dark and would have like seen brighter beams of sunlight 
bouncing off the ocean floor.  I did feel a little uncomfortable as did audience members around me when 
the blinders were flashing and wondered if it would have been prudent to announce they were going to be 
used rather than just placing a notice on the door which tended to have a body in front of it. It was lovely to 
see the bubble machines and the children’s reaction to them.

Your creative team of Director/Choreographer and Musical Director obviously work closely together with a 
clear vision of what they want the performers to achieve.

It was wonderful when the 9-piece orchestra under the expert direction of your Musical Director/Conductor 
struck up the overture. They were excellent throughout and transported us thorough the various scenes from 
under the sea to the Prince’s palace. The show contains a variety of songs with changing rhythms which were 
clearly delivered. Time had obviously been taken to rehearse the actors well and ensure they knew all their 
parts which resulted in outstanding solo recitals and harmonious chorus songs.

The choreography was as I expected by your company. The wide variety of routines were expertly created,
well-rehearsed, visually excellent and enhanced the wide variety of well-known musical numbers. The full 
cast in fantastic costumes in ‘Under the Sea’, sailors dance in ‘Fathoms Below’, the tap-dancing seagulls in
‘Positoovity’ which included Ariel’s first steps as a human and company ‘Kiss the Girl’ were especially brilliant.
The costumes were outstanding throughout with great attention to detail. All the characters were expertly
adorned with well-fitting detailed brilliantly constructed costumes which added reality to their parts. There 
was a clear delineation between under and above the sea. Flounder, Sebastian and Scuttle were stunning. 
Many of the cast had several changes with maids, sailors, seagulls, mermaids and princesses.  I especially 
like the illusion mermaid tails and regal King Triton costumes with their skin-coloured top with attached shells 
and the way that Ariel so carefully sat with her tail balanced to one side you completely forgot she had legs.
The young lady portraying Ariel was perfect for the part. With her beautiful long auburn hair, brilliant stage 
presence, excellent movement, clear diction and a pitch perfect singing voice,  ‘Part of Your World’ was 
brilliant, she embodied the part. She showed a variety of emotions and interacted with feeling with other cast 
members. To be able to spend a portion of a show only able to rely of gestures and facial expressions 
demonstrated her acting ability. ‘Beyond my Wildest Dreams’ was joyfully delivered.  Her transformation to a 
human was cleverly fashioned and I thought her journey to the surface on wires at the end of act one was a 
lovely idea although more impressive lighting would have enhanced it. Outstanding.

The actor playing Prince Eric looked the part with his flowing locks and open neck laced shirt, blue trousers 
and black boots.  Ariel’s love interest gave a good performance, he stood with an upright stance which gave 
him a royal air and spoke clearly. He had some complex songs to delivery ‘Her Voice’ and ‘One Step Closer’
were sung with clarity and feeling. He created a believable connection with Ariel and moved with purpose.  
Your player depicting the role of Grimsby fitted the role perfectly and created a strong character. He was 
determined to fulfil his guardian’s persona and ensure Prince Eric complied with his late father’s wishes. He 
obviously cared for his charge and fussed around the Prince constantly, even when his mal de mer affected 
him on the ship, reminding him of his quest. He delivered his text clearly and sang with purpose.   

Flounder was a joy to watch, with an excellent costume and make up, clear dialogue and endless energy. She 
showed her concern and loyalty to Ariel throughout the performance. Her song ‘She’s in Love’ with the 
Mersisters was brilliantly delivered. A joy to watch!

How do you portray a seagull on stage? Your actor had it off pat, her costume was great, she spoke clearly 
and ‘Human Stuff’ was sung with confidence.  She played a quirky friend of Ariel with piazza passing on all her 
knowledge of human affairs and objects.  Your player certainly demonstrated the comic side of the Scuttle 
character and her tap-dancing routine for ‘Positoovity’ with the other seagulls was excellent. 

King Triton was an imposing ruler in his gold and black costume with tail, long grey hair and beard and spiky 
crown. Your actor clearly demonstrated his roles complex character switching between a kind caring father 
to an overbearing ruler. He just wanted to keep his daughters safe and this led to conflicts especially with 
Ariel although she was able to teach him to be more tolerant as the story progresses. His dialogue was clear 
and ‘If Only’ was delivered with so much feeling it brought a tear to my eye.

The Mersisters were Ariel’s six sisters and when they appeared on stage together they all had very different 
characters and when they sang ‘Daughters of Triton’ with their wonderful harmonies it became apparent
there seemed to be a little jealousy of Ariel. They all looked beautiful as mermaids but I really enjoyed their 
alter ego’s when they were vying for the Prince’s hand in marriage in ‘The Contest’.

Sebastian is a complex character to play because he has to show his strictness as the king’s advisor and 
choirmaster but anxious concerned side when dealing with Ariel. It was a physical role to portray constantly 
on the move in fact at one point he appeared next to us in the Circle. He looked great in his red outfit, had 
excellent comedy timing, his accent didn’t waver and ‘Under the Sea’ and ‘Kiss the Girl’ were sung with 
aplomb.

As so to the manipulative, cunning, villainous Ursula the sea witch. Your actor looked resplendent in ‘her’ 
elaborate black and purple outfit with tentacles with UW suckers, striking illuminated hair and make-up. She 
uses her charm and black magic to deceive Ariel and ultimately got Triton’s throne. Your player created an
outstanding persona with a formidable acting and powerful singing. ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ and ‘Daddy’s 
Little Angel’ were highlights of the show. 

Impressive also were Ursula’s two eels Flotsam and Jetsam.  Their dark overalls, mohawks and puppet like 
eels over their opposite shoulders added to their menacing feel. They were constantly on the move, great 
dancers and excellent manipulators of their puppets. ‘Sweet Child’ was sung with slinky feeling. 

 
Chef Louis must have been exhausted at the end of his performance every night. Your player created a wild, 
melodramatic, comedy character with the over-the-top French accent and wonderful costume. He 
energetically used his cooking skills to create the feast whist singing ‘Les Poissons’ with fervour and chasing 
Sebastian. A manic, hilarious performance.  

I am sure I have said this before but you are extremely lucky to have such a wide breath of talent within your 
company and I would like to compliment all those members of the cast whether in a named part or as part 
of the ensemble because without the skills you all have you would not produce a performance of such a 
level. Many congratulation to all.

Disclaimer 
Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in 
question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable 
that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, 
the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the 
techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at 
other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged 
you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful 
in improving future productions.

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