The Little Mermaid

                               

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Gabrielle Tyler, Musical Director and the Front of House team and spoke during the interval and after the performance with Director Sam McCarthy.

The fairly basic set was designed and mostly constructed  by the society and was colourful and effective with excellent use of stage curtains and stand alone props moved on to the stage eg the underwater scenes and Ursula’s den. I particularly liked the Prince’s boat! The set changes were speedy and efficient. The lighting was atmospheric and periodically changed colour and a smoke machine was in use. Costumes were brilliant throughout for all the characters and were sourced in house (Cheryl French) .

Music was provided by backing tracks and the cast performed well under the direction of Gabrielle Tyler. All the singers were in time with the music and projection was generally good with sound levels maintained at the right level.  There was some attractive choreography devised by Phoebe Wiggett and I especially enjoyed the tap dancing gulls. I was impressed by the roller skating throughout creating the illusion of the sea creatures swimming and drifting through the water. Well done !

Apart from the principal characters most of this young cast played several roles each in the ensemble and all performed extremely well. The ensemble were busy,  well rehearsed and on stage for several of the key songs and I particularly enjoyed Fathoms Below and Under the Sea. Lexie Grint, as Ariel the Mermaid had a lovely voice and acted this part well growing in confidence throughout especially with her solos of Part of Your World and If Only. Tom Hume-Steer was a very confident Prince Eric and had good stage presence. His vocal talents were demonstrated well in his solos of Her Voice and One Step Closer.

Elijah Hamilton played a great part as Sebastian the hermit crab. a friend of the king and protector of Ariel. He grew into the role well, danced well  and showed good talent in his solos of Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl. Aaron Lee was a traditional King Triton with good stage presence and a lovely delivery of If Only. I enjoyed Ruby Cowley’s performance as Ursula, the wicked sea witch and, aided and abetted by Flotsum (Felicity Ransley) and Jetsam (Tallulah Smith) she really created an evil atmosphere around her and displayed a good singing ability in Daddy’s Little Girl.

Queenie Hamlton was Scuttle, the lead seagull, who certainly danced very well at the beginning of Act Two. Giovanni Alldred, as Ariel’s young friend Flounder  played the role well in his usual exuberant and energetic manner and Eliza Cole played a niche role as Grimsby, a stern and upright aide to Eric. (Her wig really helped to create her character!) Edie Joshua, as Chef Louis had a niche role and tackled the song, Les Poissons very well.

Glamour and sophistication was amply provided by the Mersisters / Princesses and there was some good movement by them all.

The audience were very appreciative of the hard work and rehearsal which had obviously contributed to this successful production. In particular congratulations to Director Sam McCarthy for his inspiration and ability to bring so much young talent to the stage.

Well done to everyone involved in any way with this production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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