The Little Mermaid

Review: The Little Mermaid Pantomime by The Little Eaton Players

The Little Eaton Players’ latest pantomime was an absolute delight from start to finish! The cast was full of energy, humour, and impressive performances that kept the audience entertained throughout.

Aerial (Neve Smith) with her stunning voice and boundless energy, truly shone in her role. Her presence on stage was magnetic, and she effortlessly brought her character to life. Her exceptional portrayal truly added an extra layer of brilliance to the production, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Her sister Persil (Richar Kirkland) the Dame of the pantomime had the audience in stitches with fantastic comedic timing, the added touch of squirted water and a cheeky theme tune—“Never Gonna Give You Up”—every time they entered was a hilarious crowd favourite! The Admiral’s (Nick Mothershaw) character was equally memorable, and the chemistry between the Persil and the Admiral was perfect. Their interactions brought a dynamic and humorous drive to the stage.

Thermidor (Jackson Young) quickly became an audience favourite, consistently stealing the spotlight with his infectious energy and charm. Every time he entered the stage, he connected effortlessly with the crowd, drawing laughter with his well-timed jokes and playful antics. His high-energy performance never failed to keep the mood light and fun. Dressed in a fabulous, eye-catching costume, Thermidor truly brought his character to life, leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating his next appearance.

Prince Finn (Becca Armstrong) delivered yet another captivating and powerful performance, bringing charisma to the role. Queen Neptuna (Samantha Osvath) delivery was nothing short of regal, commanding the stage with her presence.

The evil Aunt Octavia (Catherine Baker) and her sidekicks, the hammer sharks (Jo Russell and Sue Cope), were great villains. Their costumes were creatively designed, adding a touch of eccentricity and originality to the performance.

A standout moment was the clever use of props in the scene with the Ships Mate (Sue Kirland) in the boat, which was executed brilliantly. Mother of Pearl (Kelly Botham) and her daughter Pearl (Jess Johnnesson) narrated the story with excellent rhyme, keeping the pace lively and engaging throughout.

The dancers and ensemble members were outstanding, they all delivered clean, slick choreography created by Julie Law that really captured the audience’s attention. The UV section under the sea was a particular highlight, with the sea creatures lighting up in a magical, glowing spectacle.

The direction of the pantomime from Rachel Humphries was spot-on, ensuring that the comedy came across effortlessly while maintaining a good balance of audience participation. The Dame’s quick-witted responses to the crowd’s comments were hilarious and showed great improvisational skills. The whole cast did an excellent job with the projections, making sure all the characters' voices were clear and well-enunciated.

The set was beautifully vibrant and colourful, setting the perfect backdrop for the performance and bringing the show to life. The excitement from the audience as they arrived at the theatre was palpable, with eager anticipation radiating from every corner. It was evident that this pantomime is not just a show, but a much-anticipated highlight of their year, drawing in crowds who couldn't wait to experience the magic and fun.

By the end of the evening, the audience was buzzing with nothing but positive feedback, their faces lighting up with smiles and enthusiasm. This pantomime exceeded all expectations, delivering everything the community had hoped for and so much more. A heartfelt congratulations to the Little Eaton Players for such a spectacular performance!

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