Disney's The Little Mermaid

As a lifelong Disney fan I was delighted to hear that my first musical report for Hexham Amateur Stage Society would be on their 2026 production of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’. Based on the original story by Hans Christian Anderson, Disney’s 1989 classic tells the tale of Ariel, a rebellious mermaid princess who longs for life on land and falls and in love with human Prince Eric. Exchanging her voice for human legs, she makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula and is given three days to earn a "true love’s kiss" or become Ursula's slave. With the iconic music and lyrics crafted by the legendary Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, this musical presents a formidable challenge for any society to undertake. I was genuinely eager to see how HASS would bring the magic of Disney to the audiences of Hexham, and whether they could live up to such renowned artistry.

The show featured a wide range of ages and experience on stage, fostering a sense of inclusivity and community. Notably, there were no weak links among the cast, with each member contributing confidently to the performance.

Sandie Ross shone as Scuttle, bringing a clear passion to the role, especially during her song ‘Positoovity’. Her chemistry with the ensemble, all dressed as gulls, was a highlight, and the enjoyment she found in her role radiated across the stage. It was obvious Sandie loved this role and in turn was perfect for it.

At just sixteen years old, Abbi Maclennan brought infectious energy and charm to the role of Flounder. Her lively presence on stage—constantly flapping her flippers and radiating cheerfulness—captured the spirit of the character perfectly. For someone so young, Abbi delivered a highly commendable and confident performance.

Ben Boulton Baker offered a fresh take on Sebastian, opting for a Welsh accent rather than the expected Caribbean, which charmed the audience and added a unique flair to the character. Ben at times was very softly spoken, resulting in some of Sebastian’s iconic lines—such as “Children, you give them an inch, they swim all over you”—not always coming across as clearly as they might. I would encourage Ben to project his voice more confidently on stage, as his performance was truly excellent, especially during his musical number “Kiss the Girl”. With a little extra volume, every lyric and witty remark will be enjoyed by the entire audience.

Ellie Box and Amber McMahon excelled as Ursula’s sinister eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, delivering some of the show’s most outstanding harmonies. Their vocals were consistently flawless and crystal clear, enriching each scene with a haunting beauty that perfectly captured the essence of their characters. The commitment they showed to their roles was remarkable—constantly moving their arms in a fluid, slick manner to embody the eels’ slippery nature. Bravo to both.

Theo Crow delivered a convincing portrayal of Prince Eric, forming a captivating partnership with Cate Wootton as the show's leading couple. His rendition of ‘Her Voice’ not only highlighted the purity and strength of his vocals, but also demonstrated impressive depth in his acting, bringing genuine emotion to the role.

Bethan Triance’s portrayal of Ursula clearly demonstrated that she had thoroughly studied the art of the Disney villain. Masterfully blending elements of Ursula, Cruella de Vil, and Mother Gothel, she captivated the audience through her expressive character work and nuanced delivery. Her expressive mannerisms were a delight to behold, drawing the audience into every scene she commanded. She shone in her number ‘Daddy’s Little Angel’ where she showcased her stage presence and her hard work and dedication to the role. Congratulations Bethan.

The talented young Cate Wootton took on the lead role of Ariel, a character defined by her iconic musical numbers and the emotional intensity each song demands. Despite the role’s considerable challenges and the weight of audience expectations, Cate delivered a superb performance effortlessness, meeting every musical and dramatic requirement with grace. Her rendition of ‘Part of Your World’ was truly moving—so much so that it brought a tear to my eye. Even more remarkable was the ‘Part of Your World (Reprise)’, which is not only my favourite moment of the film but was delivered with such heartfelt emotion and vocal clarity that it surpassed expectations, creating a magical and memorable highlight in the production. Great job Cate.

Further supporting their performances and adding to the Disney magic required of this show, the costumes were a true highlight, showcasing both creativity and careful attention to detail. It was particularly pleasing to see that all costumes were appropriate for the cast’s ages. My personal favourite was Sebastian’s vibrant costume, which not only captured the character’s spirited personality but also stood out visually amongst the cast. I must also commend Benjamin Vincze for his unwavering commitment to his role as King Triton in proudly displaying his abs, which brough a genuine display of dedication and authenticity in his portrayal.

Every sea creature was distinctively and imaginatively costumed, helping to create a vivid underwater world that felt both magical and believable. A special mention must go to whoever thought of the idea for Ariel and Flounder to wear ‘Heelys’—shoes with built-in wheels—which allowed them to glide seamlessly across the stage, brilliantly mimicking the motion of swimming. This clever touch not only impressed the audience but also provided a clear visual contrast between Mermaid Ariel and her human counterpart, as well as the other land-dwelling characters. The inventive use of costumes and stage elements truly brought the characters to life and added a memorable sparkle to the production.

The choreography throughout the show was thoughtfully designed, being simple yet effective and accessible for all cast members—a wise choice that ensures everyone can participate and shine, rather than relying on complex routines that only some can execute. I will say, in the lively 'Under the Sea' number, introducing more cast members progressively throughout the song might have made for an even more impressive spectacle instead of having the entire ensemble on stage from the very beginning. Nonetheless, the acrobatics performed by the ensemble added a delightful touch and the audience’s enthusiasm was unmistakable, and the infectious energy of the performance encouraged everyone to join in and enjoy the moment.

Props were thoughtfully chosen, adding tangible charm to the show without overwhelming the stage. Including multiple thrones, a bathtub, a ship, and a rock for Ariel to perch upon and sing, each piece demonstrating a clear attention to detail that enriched the storytelling.

The production team demonstrated resourcefulness, especially given the limited space at the sides of the stage. Some scene transitions were better than others, though experimenting with more inventive methods—perhaps involving more cast members rather than relying on blackouts—could add further fluidity and creativity. The show also demonstrated some great staging and direction, for instance, Eric’s shipwreck was brilliantly creative. In contrast, Ariel’s transformation scene presented a missed opportunity where more inventive and imaginative staging could have elevated the moment and added further magic to the show.

While the lighting design had its strong moments, there were occasions where it could have further enriched the mood and atmosphere—particularly in the undersea scenes. For instance, during “Under the Sea”, the immersive lighting scheme transported the audience even deeper into Ariel’s magical world. This could have been used more throughout the show.

After discussing with the director, it was clear that this was the first time digital projections and a screen were used, and while the results were promising, some unexpected challenges arose, such as projections not fitting the entire screen. Looking ahead, experimenting with stage levels—such as distinguishing land above and sea below—could not only address technical limitations but also enhance visual storytelling, especially in scenes like “The World Above” and “Fathoms Below” at the top of the show, thoughtful touches and openness to new ideas will ensure even more engaging productions in the future.

The Daughters of Triton delivered a cohesive and musically impressive performance, displaying excellent teamwork on stage. To further enhance their numbers in future productions, providing microphones would ensure their singing is fully appreciated by the audience.

Congratulations to Hexham Amateur Stage Society on their remarkable accomplishment in bringing a Disney classic to life on stage. Tackling such a beloved story is no small feat, and the team’s dedication and skill were evident throughout. From outstanding performances and spirited singing to imaginative costumes and thoughtful staging, every element combined to create a magical experience that captured the hearts and imaginations of the audience. Thanks to their unwavering attention to detail, boundless creativity and evident passion, the cast and crew conjured authentic Disney enchantment right in Hexham. Their hard work proved that, with enough dedication, even the most iconic of stories can come alive and captivate audiences, wherever they are performed.

Well done to all involved for delivering a show that truly enchanted and delighted.

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