Disney's Little Mermaid

Based on the writing of Hans Christian Anderson famous with young and old for his magical fairy tales from Doug Wright’s book, melodic and catchy music from Alan Menken, lyrics Howard Ashman with additional lyrics by Glenn Slater.

The dream team working together once again - through direction, song and dance with the experienced and talented cast, perfectly timed backing tracks and special effects, colourful screen projection, well designed and built cameo insets and props, plus acrobatics, sharp dance routines, well-rehearsed musical numbers, wonderful imaginative costuming from Sophie Ringrose and Graeme Herbert, puppets in the theatre boxes, even flying - what a great combination.

The storyline is magical, but as in Anderson’s fairy tales there is always a touch of sadness but equally hope and always a deep-seated moral. This one is telling of the somewhat rebellious beloved youngest daughter Ariel, curious with a longing to be with the humans trying to find her way, always giving crab Sebastian the court maestro the slip angering her Father. Equally stubborn is Prince Eric who would rather be a sailor than a future King. He too is being advised and protected by his guardian Grimsby who insists he marry before the end of his 21st birthday. During a violent storm the young man is drowning - Ariel saves his life and is immediately smitten with this handsome human. Remembering her voice, he is determined to find her. Of course, there is a tyrant, jealous aunt Ursula, scheming sea witch, menacing, a tentacled octopus together with her trusty henchman Flotsam and Jetsam a slippery pair, who wants the underwater kingdom for herself. Tricking Ariel she steals her beautiful voice to allow her three days with her ‘land legs.’ With the help of her friend’s devoted Flounder and crazy seagull Scuttle she escapes. At the Birthday Ball unsuccessfully, Ariel’s six sisters although full of personality compete vocally for the Prince’s hand. Eric discovers it is Ariel’s voice he fell in love with and of course King Triton and Grimsby relent to allow them to follow their dream. Much athletic movement plus comedy throughout from some extraordinary characters added to the magic with the audience clapping along to the calypso style finale ‘Under The Sea.’

With her long auburn hair and beautiful singing voice opening with ‘The World Above ‘Amy Shurey made her debut as Ariel the shimmering mermaid longing to become a human. Gliding gracefully on roller shoes and her wonderful flexibility so incredibly good when trying out her feet on dry land. Accompanied by her loyal cheeky Flounder young Jacob Morris with his punk hair do also skated to her rescue, giving a strong confident ‘She’s in Love’ accompanied by the six full of personality Mersisters. Although loving, an overprotective Father of seven daughters was King Triton played by experienced Neil Selman giving a fine ‘Triton’s Lament’ in the end accepting her youngest must follow her dreams. A fun comedic role of a scatty, very vocal seagull Scuttle was played by Emily Davis and together with her flock of seagulls gave a fine ’Positoovity.’ Trying to keep Ariel in check was fast moving crab Sebastian resplendent in red, with beautiful Caribbean tones multi-talented Miah Jumbo leading the memorable ‘Under the Sea’ ‘worm’ melody. Our hero was tall, elegant, passionate about theatre Elliott Shadwell who characterised the romantic part of Prince Eric, pairing well with Ariel, and giving a rousing ‘Fathoms Below’ as a sailor together with Calum Avery, the Pilot and ensemble, ‘One Step Closer’ delightful duet and Quartet ‘If Only’ with his solo a moving ‘Her Voice’. Classical singer Ruth Parsons with such presence, in dark wonderful huge costumes and high wig gave us a devious Ursula with ‘Daddy’s Little Angel’ accompanied by evil Flotsam & Jetsam, talented brothers Rowan and Seth Ringrose. Upright, proper Grimsby trying to teach the Prince Eric royal ways was Oscar Smith multi-tasking taking on the acting role at short notice and responsible for leading the musical numbers to such a high standard. Another manic comedy role of Chef Louis was taken by Leigh Baker well executed though I am not sure I would enjoy his offerings! But I did enjoy his rendition of ‘Les Poissons.’ I must congratulate all the named Mersisters for their individual characters adding a ‘sass’ factor in particular their number ‘Daughters of Triton.’ To the featured dancers for their slick routines and to the full ensemble for their many characters, movement and strong vocals too a big thank you.

So many backstage personnel working to achieve this complex production so my thanks to the unseen technicians, SMs et all, and to the ‘ah’ factor adorable huge Sheepadoodle Buddy.

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