The Little Mermaid Jr

Whenever I go to see this company I am pleased to see a nucleus of familiar performers plus new talented members. This shows a promise of continuation of the company, often continuing to the adult company. There is always a welcome and lots of presence of both groups.

As we arrive in the hall there is always an interesting piece of scenery on the side of the stage. This time it was Ariel’s (Rose Burgon) secret grotto full of human detritus. A great talking point whilst we waited for the show to start.

Having previously successfully used taped music for “Into The Woods”, the taped music was again successful for The Little Mermaid. Quite a talent to keep to the prescribed speed. As ever, Leigh Mason had it all in hand.

The Young Uns members are so lucky, they experience all elements of a show. They help to paint scenery, make costumes, help with choreography, dance and sing and know how to work as a team. All this to help them on their understanding of what is needed to put on a show. Well done.

The scenery helps to place the action with 3 levels, land, Blue swags for the top of the sea,   which were also used for under the sea. We first met the Prince (Freya Mortimer) sailing on the ocean and hearing Ariel singing and was captivated by it. Prince fell overboard during the  storm. Ariel rescued him and towed him to safety on land. He heard her sing but didn’t know who it was. Inevitably there is a competition to find the girl with the voice. Ariel in the ocean really wanted to live like a human, her singing was beautiful as was she with her head of red hair. She played an excellent part. She had opportunities to show several sides to her nature, dreaming, learning to walk on her new feet, arguing with her father, leading the others under the ocean into trouble.

Her father Triton (Freddie Thornton) wanted Ariel to settle down and not be late for everything, but is willing to lose his power and eventually allow Ariel to live as a human with her Prince. Sebastian (Leri Roberts) was tasked with taking Ariel under his care. What a great part to have, great red crab suit and loads of energy throughout. She even goes up to the human land to take care of Ariel’s lovely voice and movement. 

Flounder (Seren Haf Lloyd) obviously enjoyed herself performing with confidence. Ariel had several Mersisters who sang superb harmony. Scuttle the seagull (Hannah Taylor) could keep a beady eye from the sky and was a good tap dancer and helped with choreography. She sang human stuff with the flock of seagulls and invented the name “dingle doctors” for her.

Of course there is a baddie in the story. Ursula (Bethan Moore) the octopus sea witch helped by her electric eels (Erin Edwards and Edie Langford). Their costume meant they went everywhere together. Ursula the octopus had a great costume and some good songs with her  lackeys, ‘poor unfortunate souls’. The small fish caused a whirlpool in the sea.

The younger cast were Sailors, Gulls and Sea Creatures/Lagoon Creatures. They often sat on the sea floor at the front, very effective. Jelly Fish Brollies, cut out fish dancing.  Seahorse (Harriet Shakeshaft) was Triton’s herald and Grimsby (Harrison Williams) was the Prince’s valet and Carlotta (Crug Bryan) the Prince’s Housekeeper had lovely small parts which helped the story along.  Chef Louis ((Cacillia Gellesh) sang with a French accent. Well done.

And then there was the very, very busy dog (Guinivere Gellesh). She never stopped moving on stage or on the boat. There were so many little, effective moments in this show; we were kept alert to “what’s next?”

The company-made costumes were all very effective, especially the mermaid tails.

Alison Ravenscroft was director for the second time, with a talented Production team which included an ex Young Un, Aled Morris.

Yet again “Young Uns”, you got it right. Congratulations to ‘old stagers’ and young ones.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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