With perfect timing, to coincide with Half Term, the Royal Hippodrome Community Theatre Company present an all-singing, all-dancing stage version of the Disney classic, The Little Mermaid, and it’s the perfect treat for children and adults alike.
The production stays faithful to both the film and the original Hans Christian Anderson story, with the cast of 30 of Sussex’s best and brightest young and talented actors giving everything they have to keep the young ones engaged, and the adults entertained – and succeeding at both.
Recognisable scenes from the film, together with the tremendous musical score, whisk us through the tale of the Mermaid who, after seeing the prince and falling in love, wants to be human so that she might be his princess.
Tanya Grace takes on the lead role and, within just a few minutes, proves why she deserves the part. With a powerful singing voice, mixed with youthful naivety and innocence, she blasts her way through the songs and has the audience captivated by giving a truly believable performance throughout.
The object of her affection, Prince Eric is played by Kenny Giles who sports the rather traditional wavy hair of most Disney heroes and combines it with some heroic poses and mellow vocals to complete his character. Oliver Smith plays the prince’s assistant, Grimsby, and is every inch the perfect English gentleman’s gentleman. His diction is exact and his mannerisms affected, and cleverly reined in so as not to be too camp.
Georgie Williams features as the baddie of the piece, the Sea Witch Ursula, and, in my opinion, is one of the stars of the show. She glides across the stage with her two Moray Eel helpers, Flotsam and Jetsam (brilliantly portrayed by twins Solly and Luke Adlam), and, when she gets the chance to sing her big number, Poor Unfortunate Souls, almost blows the roof off with her incredibly powerful voice.
Another star in this production, and one to be watched for as he grows up, is 11 year old Max Mason who appears as Flounder. The strength and pitch of his voice outweigh his tender years and, together with his consummate acting ability, show what a superb musical theatre performer he is.
Others worthy of individual mention in this show are Tyler Chambers as Sebastian the Crab, Brandon Jewell as Scuttle the Seagull and Zak Willis who, despite the fact that it’s February, plays the part of King Triton, Ariel’s Father, dressed only in a fish tail!
This production has everything that the audience hoped for, and a whole lot more. Superb tunes, delivered very well, by a supremely talented company, working on a colourful set and dressed in brightly coloured costumes that would make even the dullest winter day turn bright – oh, and there’s all those bubbles too!
**** Four Stars