The Little Mermaid

Upon my arrival at The Stag Theatre, I was met with the usual warm welcome and hospitality. The extensive and well-designed programme provided an abundance of information and was easy to read while waiting in the auditorium for the performance to begin. 

The Little Mermaid stage show is based on the 1989 Disney Movie of the same name and that was based on the Hans Christian Anderson story. Ariel is the mermaid daughter of King Triton. She wants to leave her underwater home for the human world above and when, on one her trips, she saves the life of Prince Eric who falls in love with her beautiful voice. Ariel makes a contract with the sea witch Ursula by trading her voice for three days as a human so she can seek out her prince. Needless to say all’s well that ends well and good triumphs over evil.

Undertaking this production requires courage and it seems Director Tracy Weaver was up for the challenge, with at least 20 named parts plus chefs, princesses, maids, dancers, and the ensemble. The costume department excelled, creating numerous, colourful costumes depicting mermaids, a crab, chefs, maids, seagulls, and sea creatures. The large stage had a raised platform with projections of the sea or a ballroom, while large props like rocks or Ariel's grotto were efficiently moved in and out. Lighting and sound enhanced the illusion of being underwater or on land. The 14-piece band, led by Musical Director Carys Snipps, sounded glorious from the overture onward. Kayleigh Weaver and Elyse Anya Davis’s choreography was thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that the movements reflected the characteristics of the fish, animals, or mythical creatures portrayed. This attention to detail helped maintain the fairy tale setting for the audience. I loved the tap-dancing seagull and the way the underwater characters maintained their ‘floating arms’ as though they were keeping upright in the water. 

Elyse Anya Davis was a delightful Ariel and captured the innocence and naivety needed to play this role but also defiant when she goes against her father King Triton’s (Nick Slessor) wishes Alongside her as Prince Eric was Dan Dunmore whose rich voice and stage presence made them a perfect pairing. There are others who deserve recognition, including Alyssa Weaver as Flounder, Julie Lobley as Chef Louis, whose performance in Les Poissons was particularly amusing, the six mersisters of Ariel, each displaying their own characters and Darren Higgins, wonderful as a neurotic crab, Sebastian. Bruna Bonafé as a suitably sinister witch Ursula along with her sidekicks Flotsam (Kendal Barrett) and Jetsam (Smitha Massey). Jena Price made a wonderful tap-dancing seagull Scuttle. Although I cannot mention everyone individually, it is important to acknowledge that a show is a collaborative effort by all cast members. Each person brought unique characterisations that were impressive.  

This show appeals to both young and old, featuring lively performances and familiar songs. The Sevenoaks Players demonstrated remarkable dedication and passion in this production, creating an enjoyable evening of entertainment.  

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