The Little Mermaid Jr

The young cast gave a delightful presentation of this show. The storyline of Ariel, the mermaid who was attracted to the human world, who fell in love with a human Prince and who was tricked by Ursula into forfeiting her voice to become human, was clearly told. In the leading role of Ariel, Grace Rocks gave us a believable rebellious teenager whose voice attracted not only the Prince but the audience as well, with a well sung Part of Your World. She was confident throughout and carried her character and the action forward. Naomi Irvine as Prince Eric was an ideal partner for her, matching her in determination. Sometimes playing a good character can be difficult to characterise but he gave us much to admire including humour in coping with his guardian Grimsby whose character played by Grace Barber lived up to his name in his haughty mien and in trying to find a suitable bride for his prince. Rose Taylor gave her best as Sebastian, the musical crustacean who was detailed to look after Ariel and who delivered up some of the most comedic moments of the show especially his reactions in the kitchen scene. Flounder, Olivia Hunter, was never out of her depth and was a careful support to Ariel while Eva Boyle made the character of Scuttle so lifelike and entirely her own. Emer O’Hara had the difficult balancing act of being a decisive King Triton and at the same time a loving father to a headstrong Ariel but who sacrificed all to get his daughter back from his sister Ursula’s trickery. Then, Sophie Davie nicely caught the role of the scheming, evil Ursula and sang a memorable and utterly devious Poor Unfortunate Souls. She was helped in her scheming by her side kicks Flotsam and Jetsam. Ariel’s sisters developed their individualities, comic and sisterly by turns, and the Sea Chorus created a fine sound. Minor roles of the Pilot, Carlotta and Chef Louise presented well. The costumes gave a colourful touch as with the red, tasselled Sebastian and the Sisters’ rainbow outfits while the snakelike coils of Ursula’s dress fitted her character. All movements were in character and well presented so that cast numbers like Under The Sea and Kiss The Girl were memorably delivered as was the comedy of Les Poissons. On this restricted stage area, the cast moved assuredly and made the most of their space while scene changes were smoothly handled. Lighting and sound complemented the action. This was the first of three performances and very entertaining it was. I became aware of how much this young group had grown in stagecraft over the year and I am sure the successive performances would grow in confidence and delight their audiences. Congratulations to all involved in this production.

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