The Little Mermaid

The Over Players’ choice of pantomime this year was an original script by long-term member Kirsty Jackson-Smillie - a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid - with a twist.  This was a very ‘fishy’ script indeed containing a shoal of fishy puns (see what I did there?).  There is nothing more gratifying for a playwright than seeing your work brought to life and TOPs certainly gave it their best shot.  Although perhaps slightly over-written in places the script worked well.  Director Jack Stinton had formed a cast of talented principals, a strong supporting cast of minor royals and a good chorus team of backing singers and dancers.  

The settings were greatly enhanced by some first-rate artwork by Helen Foster (loved the shipwreck).  At times some of the large pieces caused the stage crew headaches but in the main changes worked well.  Lighting was good and sound levels just right.  Costumes were absolutely excellent and there were a lot of them which must have kept the Wardrobe Team on their toes. Excellent sound from the mellifluous Pantomime Band - Leader Mike Bernard, Justin Pisani and Phil Butcher - who never once drowned out the soloists. 

The script flowed pretty well but the pace dipped once or twice, mainly due to dialogue blips and slightly slow cue pick up. Sometimes ad libs throw things out completely and scripted lines suffer as a result.  I was slightly mystified by the slosh scene with the giant cake which - I am afraid - didn’t work for me. Neither did the wall papering/plank part of the scene which fell decidedly flat.

I have to say that the singing from the Chorus members was extremely good.  Congratulations to MD Supremo Mike Bernard on drawing some lovely harmonies from them.  They also did justice to their Director and Choreographer Jack Stinton’s routines. Chorus work should never be underestimated and The Little Mermaid Chorus should be proud of their contribution to the production.  

In all pantomimes good always overcomes evil but Her Nastiness Electra and her hench-fish put up a good fight in their endeavour to come out on top. In a bravura performance Maria Baker reigned supreme as the underwater baddie - her superb voice was an added bonus.  The superbly named Ronnie and Reggie Crayfish (Jess Turpin and Mandy Turpin respectively) were great and an excellent pair to somewhat ineptly carry out her evil plans.  

Sheena Harris as Octopoda was another with a splendid voice putting in a fine performance as a “double agent” being Electra’s ‘mole’ in the court and King Proteus’ (played by Harry Ashby) ‘mole’ in Electra’s Lair.  

Everyone loved Flounder. Yasmin Asassa in her lovely fish costume made Flounder’s swimming and flipper movements quite believable. She created good rapport with the audience and though some of us were baffled as to why we had to shout “cardboard box” every time she said “Big fish little fish” it all became clear eventually!  

Simon Jones in the “Dame” spot as Thalassa did a great job. He can always be relied on to throw himself into every situation and, as in this case, frocks. 

Amy Carson made a lovely Ariel and although she didn’t have much dialogue (of course) she certainly sang beautifully.  I am very glad Ariel swam away from the narcissistic Prince Eric (nicely played by Sara Jane Sutty) who was ably supported by Maisy-May Gilbert as Pat the dog. 

I was impressed by Ariel’s three younger sisters Algae (Anabel Lindsell), Coral (Emily Crosby) and Anemone (Jenny Slater).  This trio were confident, spoke clearly, looked lovely and also contributed to the singing and dancing of the Chorus. Well done girls. On land in Pleasantown Castle Richard Fenwick and Jane Beresford made a fine King Harry and Queen Meghan. 

Overall a bright, colourful and fishy-pun-filled panto. Thank you for inviting me and for the warm welcome.

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