The Little Mermaid

In typical Upstager’s style, we were treated on opening night to a performance with the highest production values. A wonderful orchestra played the overture while fabulous lighting played over a fantastic set, enhanced by professional projections. Acres of blue chiffon flooded the stage and we were transported to a world Under the Sea. Full credit to a very large team of backstage volunteers who created this wonderful picture. You are too many to mention, but I am sure each and every one of you is highly valued by the young cast. Costumes and wigs throughout were stunning and there was excellent make up provided by Alex Wright.

Sophia Rose made a charming Ariel, the eponymous Little Mermaid. She gave a confident performance and has a wonderful singing voice. Good luck to her as she begins her professional training. Ariel’s sisters were a formidable bunch. They were enhanced by amazing costumes with matching dressing tables, (I never thought I would need to say that!) Their harmony singing was excellent and they also doubled up into a number of ensemble roles. Ariel’s father, King Triton was played with gravitas and strong singing by Matthew Nutting.

Every Disney show needs a cast of over-the-top baddies and they were all excellent. Bethany Gregory (Ursula) was supported by Emily McCormack and Landon Crowther and together they were a terrifying team- great singing and negative energy. But the excellent and well drilled jellyfish really enhanced the scenes in Ursula’s lair. Well done to them all, I loved the choreography in these scenes. (by Lily Normington and Bea Whiteley)

The love interest, Prince Eric, was provided by Joel Ensink. He has an excellent singing voice and was left in charge of some very difficult songs. He was ably supported by Benji Kirk and Jeff Cook. Amy Whiteley, Mike Riley and Ellie O’Brien played Ariel’s cartoon friends. These were great performances, but I was a little confused by the puppets. As the actors did not constantly look at their puppets during performance, as a puppeteer would, I didn’t quite know which face to watch. The actors’ costumes were so good that I almost preferred them when they were freed up to appear without their alter egos.

Co-directors John Clark, Joey Wilby and Andrew Hewitt have another hit on their hands. Cherries on the top of the cake were a comedy cameo by George Scaife as the chef and the fantastic tapping seagulls led by Mike Riley as Scuttle, seagull in chief. Congratulations to the whole team, I’m sure you will have had great fun in rehearsals and you will without doubt receive the audience plaudits all week.

I look forward to your pantomime, which next year will be Snow White.

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