Disney's The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is produced by Disney Theatrical and is based on an animated 1989 film, of the same name, and the classic story by Hans Christian Anderson. The book is by Doug Wright, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman (written for the film) with additional lyrics by Glenn Slater. It tells the story of a beautiful mermaid, Ariel, who dreams of the world above the sea and after rescuing Prince Eric following a storm, she wishes to pursue him in the world above and bargains with Ursula, the evil Sea Witch, by giving up her voice to trade her tail for legs. Ariel has help from Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish and Scuttle the seagull and must wordlessly gain Prince Eric’s love within three days or lose her soul to Ursula.

Helen Perry was just perfect as Ariel. She quite effortlessly portrayed the delightful and charming innocence of youth but with an underlying determination to persist with her dream to go on land, especially to seek out her Prince, whatever the cost. Helen has all the necessary skills in abundance for musical theatre, she can act, she has an amazing singing voice (all her songs were just superb), she dances sublimely and now, she can ‘fly’ - what a terrific combination of talent, it was a truly outstanding performance. There was a lovely chemistry between Ariel and Prince Eric, well played by Joshua Sly, who too, danced and acted with great assuredness. The very accomplished actor and singer Steve Dunning was in his element as the Prince’s very formal valet Grimsby, and Lindsay Greasley was superb as Ariel’s best friend Flounder and her singing of “She’s in Love” was divine. I absolutely loved the portrayal of Sebastian the Crab that was delivered by Cameron Trail. He was just so funny from his ungainly gait, his great acting (loved the accent) and what a wonderful singing voice he has - a first rate performance, as also was that by Jake Perry as Scuttle, the seagull. He literally ‘flew’ onto the stage and proceeded to scuttle about - he certainly lived up to his name! It was so obvious that he was thoroughly enjoying every minute being this eccentric seagull and all his comedic antics were a real hoot. Another outrageously funny and splendid performance came from Martin Counter as the very much over-the-top Prince’s Chef.  He brilliantly sang “Les Poissons” whilst frenziedly dashing around his kitchen flourishing some very dangerously looking kitchen implements. A very strong and strident portrayal came from Chris Parkes as King Triton, Ariel’s father. He totally commanded the stage with his authoritarian attitude but did eventually show an underlying kindly and deeply emotional tenderness towards Ariel, especially when terrifically singing “If only” and “Daddy’s Little Girl” - oh, by the way Chris, loved the ‘six-pack’! Ursula was played to great effect by Deborah McPherson. She was indeed a fearsome, cunning, and manipulative evil Sea Witch, dominating the stage not only with her tremendously tentacled costume but with her fabulous acting skills and her amazing, powerful singing voice - a truly top-notch performance. Her two sinister and sneaky spying eels were portrayed by Tom Banks as Flotsam and Charlie Torry as Jetsam. They were both just remarkable as they creepily squirmed their way around the stage. The Mersisters, Ariel’s siblings, were played by Ru Kniveton, Claire Jarman, Clementine Morley, Lisa Scott-Savage, Louise Simcox and Alison Watkins. They glided around the stage, so innovatively achieved by the wearing of Roller shoes, and were so delightfully full of fun and personality as they exquisitely sang and danced. Brian Counter as Windward and Phil Stanley as Leeward, were  King Triton’s Heralds. There was a large ensemble cast who were all excellent in playing the numerous roles of Sailors, Sea and Freshwater Creatures, Gulls, Chefs, Maids and Princesses and were such an integral part of the show in so many ways, that I feel I must give them all a mention. They were Emma Chadwick, Olivia Thompson, Roxie Tucker, Cass Barrett, Heidi Hand, Angela Plant, Reema Frost, Stephen Mura, Eleanor Mallinson, Gary Rowley, Lucy Gazzard, Georgina Bateman, Ollie Hand, Charlotte Hanser, Jonty Banks, Jennifer Alton, Josh Greengrass, Katie Trail and Ross Trail. 

The singing by the soloists and the ensemble was superb and the variety of excellently choreographed numbers were all perfectly executed with serenity, where applicable, or great enthusiasm and exuberance. I was absolutely blown away by the stunningly creative costumes, the splendid wigs and make-up. All the cast were fabulously attired from the mermaids with their tails to members of the court of the Prince and as for the fantastically and imaginative creations for those from under the sea well, they were just phenomenal. 

The scenery and setting of the show was superb, enhanced by the excellent back projections and props, very effective lighting and sound and of course the ‘flying’ sequences for Scuttle and the underwater ones for Ariel and the Prince, were the icing on the cake adding an extra dimension to the overall feel, especially of being under the sea. The Stage Manager, Steve Cole, and his very hardworking Stage Crew are all very deserving of praise along with all the other back stage helpers.

Congratulations must go to the Directors, Phil Simcox and Helen Oldham, to the Musical Director, Richard Hodges, to the Choreographer, Jackie O’Brien for putting together such an exceptional show and to the hard working cast - they were just just sensational. What a wonderful theatrical piece of glorious escapism this proved to be. Also, many thanks to the Front of House Staff for their very warm welcome and hospitality.

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