The Little Mermaid

NODA Award winning Mid Cheshire Youth Theatre were back onstage this week after their long COVID hiatus with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. This musical incorporates the iconic story of Ariel, who falls in love with his Prince Charming, at a cost of losing her iconic voice. I have to admit that I’ve never seen this musical before (only the animated film version) and I was intrigued to how it was going to be staged, due to half of the production location being in the sea, but Director and Choreographer Stacy Hancock has done wonders to showcase her vision for this production using different sections of the stage and floor for different locations. The Grange Theatre, Hartford was a great space to stage this musical as it is three-quarters in the round. Stacy Hancock used the floor (of the round) as the sea, and the stage as the land – which worked massively. For the most part, the staging was excellent and clear to see. I have to say that, at times, particularly during the Ursula scenes, the action was staged too far forward which meant that audience on the sides were watching the backs of the young actors. There were also too many times when the actors were in darkness but I’m not sure if this is a lighting design fail or that the actors didn’t hit their marks. Some of the songs were brilliantly staged and it was wonderful to see iconic songs such as ‘Under The Sea’ and ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ brought to life! On the whole, this was a brilliant production that not only showcased some brilliant acting but outstanding vocals from such a young cast! It was visually very entertaining and a great showcase for this youth society.

I have to admit that I found the choreography a little basic, however, I did really enjoy the shaping and tone, and to be honest, it didn’t really need to be anything spectacular anyway as it was entertaining enough. Saying that, the partner work dance (One Step Closer?) with Eric and Ariel was brilliantly choreographed and performed!

Caitlin Sherwood took the helm once again as Musical Director for this production. Whilst there was no live band and tracks were used throughout, I have to say that every single cast member were well rehearsed in timing, no mean feat whilst using tracks. I also have to say that a lot of hard work has gone into harmonies and vocals in this production which meant that the whole company numbers sounded excellent! The harmonies were very strong, and I commend Caitlin for her obvious hard work.

Lighting was a little hit and miss for me. Whilst I loved the lighting design and the way in which each areas of the acting space was lit according to its location, there were times when sections were left in darkness, particularly the Ursula scenes. As I mentioned before, this could be the fault of the cast. The projections on the back wall were brilliant and helped establish location. I really loved the choices of gobos on the floor of the theatre which really helped layer scenes.

The quality of the sound was a little hit and miss for me too. At times, some of the mics were not cued on time, on at all, and some were not working correctly. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard mics from Bailey Audio representing this quality. For the most part though, the levels of mics were good, and I was able to hear the cast throughout.

Costuming this show could’ve been potentially really hard as so much if it takes place under the sea but I really enjoyed and appreciated the way in which costumes were used and made by Sue Hancock. Each costume helped establish character and it was clear to see who was who. I liked all the little nuances to costume, as well as the way in which lighting was used for the electric eels etc.

I have to specially mention the props/staging team for the wonderful set dressing and under the sea creatures. ‘Under The Sea’ song was beautiful and wonderfully done – well done to all involved!

The protagonist, Ariel, was wonderfully played by Lizzie Edwards. Lizzie was able to showcase her beautiful vocals and acting. I also loved her rapport with others, and it was clear why she was cast in this iconic role.

Ariel’s two sidekicks Flounder and Sebastian were brilliantly played by Emma Bayliss and Holly Salisbury. Emma was able to display some excellent vocals in ‘She’s in Love’ and looked very cute in her costume, whilst Holly was thoroughly entertaining throughout as Sebastian the Lobster! Her acting was very strong, and she is certainly one to watch in the future! Great performance from both!

Equally strong was the brilliant Emily Murison was Scuttle! Emily’s comic timing and line delivery was brilliant, and she is also one to watch out for in the future!

Prince Eric was played by Liam Martin. I would’ve preferred if Liam slowed down his lines a little more and had more fun onstage, but he very much looked to part on stage. I really enjoyed his stage presence with Grimsby (Marissa Pereria) and his dancing with Ariel – lovely!

Ellie Bennett was commanding as King Triton and was well cast in this role and a special mention has to go to Louis McManus as Chef Louis – ‘Les Possions’ was brilliant!! The vocals from all of Ariels’ sisters were excellent!

One of the standouts was Amber Larose as Ursula the Sea Witch. I loved her characterisation and line delivery and the way in which she used her voice to convey character. Amber had some brilliant stage presence and physicality too and her vocals were very strong also – a wonderful performance!

There are far too many other characters for me to mention in this review and I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out. What I will say again is that the vocals from the ensemble were excellent and you all really help add to this productions story and visuals. It is clear that the future looks very bright for Mid Cheshire Am dram and it’s great to see this society back onstage after such a long hiatus.

I thank Mid Cheshire Youth Theatre for their wonderful hospitality (Elva Parkes) and wish them all the very best for their next production.

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