Disney's Little Mermaid Jr

Blyth Music and Theatre Company has a thriving Youth Academy. It was my pleasure, along with Regional Councillor Peter and Youth Coordinator Michelle, to visit them on their first-night performance of Disney’s 'The Little Mermaid Jr', in (a very drafty) St Cuthbert’s Church Hall.

What a lovely greeting we all had from some old and new friends into a packed hall.

This is an extremely popular Disney classic and so well known. It is also a highly technical show, which begged the question – was it maybe a ‘bridge too far’ in a church hall ?. Not so! …. we, the audience were never in any doubt where the action was taking place. A superb, magical production – under the circumstances, with some good effects. Yes, there were some first-night ‘gremlins’, but nothing of a major factor.

The Little Mermaid Jr takes place mainly 'under the sea', in a magical kingdom ruled by King Triton – nicely played by Dylan Oram. His youngest child Ariel – superbly sung and acted by Sadie Alderson, longs to leave her subterranean home to live in the real world above, where she has met handsome young Prince Eric – excellently portrayed by Tilly Angus. Along the way she has to escape the clutches of a wicked sea witch Ursula – the star performance, for me, from Sarah Robinson; who has a fine, accurate singing voice (‘Poor Unfortunate Soul’ was tremendous) and wonderful acting skills. One certainly to watch out for in the future.

There are some fabulous supporting performances too; superb Sebastion (with my favourite song ‘Under The Sea’) – Matilda Blakey, fabulous funny Flounder – Ivy Holland, Scuttle – Abigail Batey, Grimsby – Kerry Thompson, Flotsam and Jetsom – Alfie Richardson and William Swaffield, Pilot – Harry Dunn and a wonderful bevvy of Ariel’s Mer-sisters – Andrina, Aquata, Arista, Atina, Adella and Allana – all beautifully played by Jessica Short, Lucy Harding, Jennifer Hull-Roberts, Annabelle Graham, Charlotte Thompson and Emma Damo.

The ensemble of Amy, Lilli, Lily, Xander, Hannah P, Ivy and Hannah H-R, together with the rest of the cast were extremely well drilled and never lost their focus – so important. Well done everyone.

Co-directors/Choreographers Shaunagh Burge and Zowie Payne deserve high praise for the quality of this production, assisted by some great lighting and sound from Steven Harper (Siren Sound), with beautiful, colourful costumes and props by Susannah Thompson and Zowie Payne. Congratulations to all concerned.

Thank you for the invitation and welcome. My companion Pauleen and the entire NODA group enjoyed the production very much. Keep up the great work!.

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