The Little Mermaid

Even a twenty-minute break, due to a fire alarm, in the second half of this production could not put off this talented cast of this wonderful show. 

The Core Theatre stage was a great setting for this colourful production staged by this company.  Ariel decides to swim to the surface and saves the life of Prince Eric whose ship has sunk.  He searches for her but with no luck.  In the meantime, Ariel decides that she wants to live on the surface but the only way for her to do that is for her to give up her voice to her evil Aunt, Ursula.  Ariel’s father, King Triton sends Sebastian the crab to the surface to look after her and get her back. And so, the story begins.

Ariel was played by Helena McGory, wonderful acting and singing.  A joy to watch.  Playing Prince Eric was Ben Butterworth, his first show with SOS, and, judging by his performance, it will not be his last.  Nicki Parry played the role of Ursula, A real baddie.  She played the role with much convection.  It was while Nicki was singing in the second half that the fire alarm went off, but, when the audience returned, she together with Flotsam (Ruth Bishop) and Jetsam (Sue Burrows) carried on the scene with no effort at all.  Just like no one had been away.  They were well supported by Lily Hughes (Flounder) Adam Scott (King Triton) and Kate Elliot as Scuttle.    I feel I really should have a special mention for two wonderful actors.  First of all, Solomon Smith as Sebastian, a wonderful character and the audience just loved him.  Secondly Keith Parry as Chef Louis.  A great comedic role and so well played. 

I wish I had room to mention everyone in this production, the supporting cast and ensemble, everyone worked so well together, and you could tell that they were enjoying their selves.

Costumes looked good from an audience point of view.  There was not a lot of freestanding scenery, but the wonderful back projection made up for that.

Mel O’Donnell led a good sounding orchestra; they did not overpower the cast on stage so that you could hear every word.  Good sound and lighting.

Dani Godwin should be very proud of the cast and the whole of the production.

Congratulations to you all, thanks for the invite, and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

 

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