There were impressive dance moves and witty jokes even before the play started at the Old Vic’s production of the Little Mermaid, setting the mood for two hours of pure theatre joy, which included stunning aerial effects as the actors created the impression they were swimming around the set.
While some directors like to finish with bang, award-winning Miranda Cromwell, decided to open with one, with a breathtaking feat of aerial wonder as Sereia, the last mermaid in the Southern Waters swam from down from the ceiling [using aerial wires] to create the impression she was cruising through the wondrous world of under the sea.
For those expecting the traditional Disney tale, be warned, this little mermaid couldn’t be further away from the princess who decided to exchange her voice for the chance to woo a human prince.
Instead, Sereia [played by Liana Cottrill] is on a mission to stop the villain of the piece Inky Slick, aka oil, from destroying coral, who is the wise and ancient grandmother of Sereia.
Despite the serious topic, there is still room for our heroine to fall in love. Sereia’s relationship blossoms with Kai – a loveable DJ [played by John Leader] who spent his childhood developing soundtracks to help boost the ocean. He uncovers that sharks like Happy Hardcore and whales enjoy Celine Dion.
And his discoveries go partly towards helping save coral.
Despite its important message, there are still lots of light-hearted moments along the way and plenty of opportunities for children to get involved with the fun.
Expect lots of singing and dance, with moves that transcend the normal boundaries of stage as actors spin-mid-air in stunning aerial performance alongside a host of original, catchy songs that will linger in your mind long after the play finishes.
My daughter was giggling throughout, but was almost in stitches when the pregnant seahorse gives birth to a bubble machine.
Another highlight is the circus aerobatics, for Sereia to become human she has to lose her tail, but this tail, who is personified into a character [played by Holly Downey] keeps popping up behind her performing mind-bending moves on swirling mid-air spiral.
Coral [played by Nandi Bhebhe] had a particularly impressive voice and during some of solos, you could hear a pin drop in the audience as they were so moved by her performance.
For anyone looking for a Christmas treat, this performance, filled with cheer and hope for the future, as well as lots of laughter, is not to be missed.