The Little Mermaid

I was very keen to see this production as I know that Director Danielle Hedley-Jameson has had this one in her head for a very long time.  It did not disappoint; from the moment we entered the foyer, it was clear that LODS had gone all out to make this a production to remember.

Once in the auditorium, I was impressed with the complete look that had been created.  The auditorium was dressed with lots of seaside references and the stage was beautifully set.  LODS have always been at the forefront in using technology for their productons and they surpassed themselves with this one.  The use of  projected images was excellent, completely creating the atmosphere of a Disney production.  Credit to Video designers Dave and Tom Rymer and Animation designer Drew Seal.

As we settled in to watch the show, the magic continued, I loved the way Ariel was half concealed, very clever use of the former orchestra pit.  I was in the stalls and was able to see everything, however I do know someone who was seated at the back of the circle and, unfortunately some of that action was not seen from their seat.  That is a pity and highlights the difficulties in this lovely but very old theatre!  However, I understand that this was brought to the Directors attention and the show was quickly adjusted to make everything viewable from all parts of the auditorium, so well done for reacting so quickly.

Ariel, played by Reanne Nash, was lovely, a perfect Disney Princess, with a beautiful voice and excellent characterisation.  Prince Eric was beautifully played by Declan Wright, he has the right voice and presence for a Disney Prince.  Jason Weir (Sebastian the crab) was terrific, a great characterisation and with some fantastic facial expressions, highlighted by his makeup.  James Cohen played  Scuttle and his performance was a master class in comedy timing and characterisation.

Suzanne Walters was the perfect Ursula, very mean and a totally over the top character which was exactly right.  Her two sidekicks Rosie Munns (Flotsam) and Nathan Gray (Jetsam) worked really hard to produce the evil effect needed for their characters.  Flounder was played by two young performers, Frankie Lamberti and Matilda Berry.  I saw Matilda and she was excellent, very confident with some excellent singing and a great character.

The six Mersisters were played by Nadia Beaumont (Aquata) Danielle Griggs (Andrina) Anna Lawrence (Arista) Ellis Watson (Atina) Eleanor Softly (Adella) and Heather Syrett (Allana).  Each had their own distinct character and they were all perfect as the Disney Princesses we expected.

King Triton (Barry Jones) was suitably Kinglike, he has a very strong voice which delivered  the characters dialogue and song to great effect.  Paul Berry played Grimsby, the Prince’s equerry and Guardian, very well.    David Shipman (Chef Louis) was a joy to watch as he overplayed the role to perfection. James Boatwright (Pilot) completed the Principal lineup.

The Ensemble, as always, provided a strong support for the show and the children brought another Disney dimension to the production.  This was a very large cast, even by LODS standards!  They were all totally committed to the production and it was enthralling to watch.

This was Jane Lamberti’s first time as choreographer and an excellent job she did, well done.

I have already mentioned the projected scenery but the additions also brought a Disney dimension to the show.  Costumes were very good, although not always as flattering to the cast member as they might have been.  There was a mixture of hired in and society produced costumes and I could not tell the difference, which is a credit to the costume makers in the society.  The makeup was superb, very creative and brought another dimension to the characters.

There was issue with the location of the band, or should I call it an orchestra, with 11 members?   They were unable to use the orchestra pit, for production reasons and they were due to be located in the Dixon Studio  with remote monitoring.  With the Dixon Studio being closed (due to RAAC) they had to be squashed into a much smaller room and the percussionist had to be located in a separate room altogether.   This must have given them a lot of tricky moments, so credit to MD Rachael Plunket,  conductor Clare Penfold and sound engineer Glenn Oxenbury for producing an excellent sound, despite all the problems.    Lighting and sound were both to a very high standard.   LODS have really pulled out all the stops for this production and it was, deservedly, well received by the audience.

Thank you for a very entertaining evening.

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