Disney's Little Mermaid Jr.

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr” is the perfect vehicle to showcase young talent, and Murton Theatre Group certainly did just that. From the moment the curtain went up the audience were treated to a performance which oozed stage presence and enthusiasm.

The main set was composed of rostra and steps with the use of lighting and projection to transport us from a ship, to the underwater world of Ariel, the palace and the shore. The costumes had been made for the group and were superb, each character being easily identifiable, and there were some excellent ideas including Ursula’s glow in the dark tentacles which worked very well. The costumes certainly enhanced the production.

The ensemble sang well and their enjoyment in performing was tangible as they moved with ease from performing as sailors to underwater creatures, and to birds, butterflies and turtles.

All of the principals portrayed their characters well. Sean Smith as “King Triton” was domineering as well as tender when required, and Jak Jobson as “Grimsby”, the Prince’s right hand man, was suitably haughty. The six mermaid sisters of Ariel all moved and sang beautifully with lovely harmonies. Nicole Parry, as the evil “Ursula”, relished being wicked, and she was well supported by Bobbi Bunker and Layla Tipton as “Flotsam and Jetsam”. Shelly Nicholson gave a lively portrayal of “Sebastian”, keeping a Jamaican accent going throughout, and Matthew Rankcom was perfectly cast as the cheeky and confident “Scuttle” the seagull. His comedy was superb. Joel McShane, as “Prince Eric”, sang and acted well, and was the ideal partner for “Ellie Dawson”, as Ariel, who looked and sang like a perfect Disney princess.  Amelia Lambert, as “Flounder”, was excellent, giving such an assured performance for such a young performer.  Her singing and character portrayal were superb.  

Congratulations to everyone, the obvious enjoyment of performing was uplifting to your audience and a credit to the production team.

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