REVIEW
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society presents
The Little Mermaid
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
25th to 28th October 2023
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society presents
The Little Mermaid
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
25th to 28th October 2023
Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society’s (LODS) The Little Mermaid is certain to make a big splash at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, this week. The musical is based on the 1989 Disney animation which in turn is based on the classic fairytale written by Hans Christian Anderson. It tells the story of the little mermaid, Ariel, who longs for adventure and dreams of what it would be like to live on the land above the sea and a Prince, Eric, who would much rather be a sailor than take on the duties of ruling a Kingdom.
The Little Mermaid musical brings all of the characters of the Disney animation to life on stage, which really is no mean feat. However, this LODS production delivers in abundance.
It’s no surprise to discover that Director, Dannielle Hedley-Jameson, has been a diehard fan of the musical since she was a child - she’s even named her daughter Ariella for goodness-sake! So it would seem that it was her destiny to direct this production; and my goodness, what an amazing job she’s done in seeing her vision through with this incredible show.
Of course, as with any production, there’s a whole team on board and there is an overwhelming sense whilst watching this show, that a huge group effort has been made in getting this show to fruition. ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ has never been so apt a saying.
There are some very clever projections that dominate the set, designed by Drew Seal, and these provide scenes that would inevitably be unachievable if left to traditional methods. The wonderful illusions of being under the sea with its underwater creatures, flora and fauna really help to immerse the audience and lends a real feeling of being a part of Ariel’s world.
The pivotal role of course, is that of Ariel and Reanne Nash, from her very first appearance, is all encompassing as the red-headed mermaid with a curiosity for what life on land would be like and who instantly falls in love with Prince Eric when she saves him from drowning. Reanne resplendently crowned with an abundance of red flowing locks and shiny mermaid tail, completely embodies the role of Ariel and her vocals are just stunning from her very first appearance as she sings of The World Above, to Part of Your World. Every nuance of the animated Ariel has been channelled and Reanne gives the most enchanting performance, with moments that will often and surprisingly leave a lump in your throat.
Likewise with Declan Wright who also produces some gorgeous vocals in the role of Prince Eric. Her Voice is an absolute joy to listen to. These two actors were seemingly made to perform with each other with vocals and performances that blend to perfection.
Suzanne Walters as the evil sea-witch Ursula, in her first role with LODS, gives a triumphant performance, accompanied by some outstanding vocals. She’s far too young to be called a grande dame of the theatre just yet, but she’s certainly heading that way and gives a convincing performance as she belts out her numbers, Daddy’s Little Angel and Poor Unfortunate Souls. She’s one heck of a baddie and I loved her two sinister sidekicks, Flotsam and Jetsam played by Rosie Munns and Nathan Gray.
Huge kudos must go to all three of the above performers who do a great job of flying in this production. Not an easy task, or ask, of any performer, especially when you only have a day to master it but all three have taken on the job with gusto.
Jason Weir looks fabulous and does a sterling job as Sebastian the crab, who struggles to keep tabs on his charge as she makes a devastating deal with her evil aunt Ursula, which enables her to become human in order to meet her prince. Paul Berry as Grimsby, frustrated guardian to the Prince, also gives a solid performance.
There are so many great roles in this show and every single character shines as we witness Ariel’s gradual ascent to the world above and her struggles with her overbearing father, King Triton. However, a huge part of this production involves the ensemble and there are some brilliantly staged numbers, alongside some excellent choreography from Jane Lamberti, not least in the Under the Sea number where it would seem that every single member of the cast is on stage.
Costumes look incredible and with some super quick changes between scenes, huge credit must go to the Wardrobe and Make Up Departments who have done an excellent job in making every character look like they’ve literally just stepped out of a Disney Parade.
Highlights - and there are many - include some great numbers, not least the Mersisters (Nadia Beaumont, Danielle Griggs, Anna Lawrance, Ellis Watson, Eleanor Softly and Heather Syrett) with Daughters of Triton and the She’s in Love number providing great harmonies and a knock out song and dance routine led by young star in the making, Matilda Berry playing Flounder. Kiss the Girl is beautifully atmospheric and nicely performed by Jason Weir and get ready for a goosebump moment with the quartet vocals of Ariel, Eric, Sebastian and King Triton (Barry Jones), who are resoundingly harmonious in If Only - beautifully sung by all.
The Les Poissons number was perhaps one that could have easily been cut from the show but nevertheless was fabulously created and full of fun with Dave Shipman playing a tyrannical yet comical chef amongst the mayhem, as Sebastian is almost eaten for dinner.
One of the funniest scenes has to be The Contest where six hopeful princesses are vying for the Prince's affections. Great work from Louise Brown, Adriana Dvorakova, Courtney Emery, Rachael Farrow, Emma Stephens and Tilly Tait here. James Cohen does a great job as the steampunk looking seagull, Scuttle, and a big well done to the children from 'Team Disney' who were performing on opening night. I am 100% certain that your counterparts in 'Team Magic' will be just as awesome!
As always the show can never really be a show without everyone who is not seen on stage, so huge well done to SM, Alex Abineri, MD, Rachael Plunkett, and likewise to all the techies behind the Sound and Lighting desk led, as ever, by Glenn Oxenbury and Josh Blows.
The classic story of the little mermaid, Ariel, who longs to be part of Prince Eric's world is one of magical delight and LODS have recreated the story for the stage with a production that cannot fail to bring a smile to audience's faces. It’s colourful, creative and crammed full of fantastic songs that will charm the youngest of audience members to those who are still young at heart. With a perfectly timed residence throughout the school holidays what better time to indulge in a huge dollop of Disney delightfulness.
The Little Mermaid has matinee performances on Friday and Saturday as well as evening performances.
Review: Kim Tobin
The Little Mermaid musical brings all of the characters of the Disney animation to life on stage, which really is no mean feat. However, this LODS production delivers in abundance.
It’s no surprise to discover that Director, Dannielle Hedley-Jameson, has been a diehard fan of the musical since she was a child - she’s even named her daughter Ariella for goodness-sake! So it would seem that it was her destiny to direct this production; and my goodness, what an amazing job she’s done in seeing her vision through with this incredible show.
Of course, as with any production, there’s a whole team on board and there is an overwhelming sense whilst watching this show, that a huge group effort has been made in getting this show to fruition. ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ has never been so apt a saying.
There are some very clever projections that dominate the set, designed by Drew Seal, and these provide scenes that would inevitably be unachievable if left to traditional methods. The wonderful illusions of being under the sea with its underwater creatures, flora and fauna really help to immerse the audience and lends a real feeling of being a part of Ariel’s world.
The pivotal role of course, is that of Ariel and Reanne Nash, from her very first appearance, is all encompassing as the red-headed mermaid with a curiosity for what life on land would be like and who instantly falls in love with Prince Eric when she saves him from drowning. Reanne resplendently crowned with an abundance of red flowing locks and shiny mermaid tail, completely embodies the role of Ariel and her vocals are just stunning from her very first appearance as she sings of The World Above, to Part of Your World. Every nuance of the animated Ariel has been channelled and Reanne gives the most enchanting performance, with moments that will often and surprisingly leave a lump in your throat.
Likewise with Declan Wright who also produces some gorgeous vocals in the role of Prince Eric. Her Voice is an absolute joy to listen to. These two actors were seemingly made to perform with each other with vocals and performances that blend to perfection.
Suzanne Walters as the evil sea-witch Ursula, in her first role with LODS, gives a triumphant performance, accompanied by some outstanding vocals. She’s far too young to be called a grande dame of the theatre just yet, but she’s certainly heading that way and gives a convincing performance as she belts out her numbers, Daddy’s Little Angel and Poor Unfortunate Souls. She’s one heck of a baddie and I loved her two sinister sidekicks, Flotsam and Jetsam played by Rosie Munns and Nathan Gray.
Huge kudos must go to all three of the above performers who do a great job of flying in this production. Not an easy task, or ask, of any performer, especially when you only have a day to master it but all three have taken on the job with gusto.
Jason Weir looks fabulous and does a sterling job as Sebastian the crab, who struggles to keep tabs on his charge as she makes a devastating deal with her evil aunt Ursula, which enables her to become human in order to meet her prince. Paul Berry as Grimsby, frustrated guardian to the Prince, also gives a solid performance.
There are so many great roles in this show and every single character shines as we witness Ariel’s gradual ascent to the world above and her struggles with her overbearing father, King Triton. However, a huge part of this production involves the ensemble and there are some brilliantly staged numbers, alongside some excellent choreography from Jane Lamberti, not least in the Under the Sea number where it would seem that every single member of the cast is on stage.
Costumes look incredible and with some super quick changes between scenes, huge credit must go to the Wardrobe and Make Up Departments who have done an excellent job in making every character look like they’ve literally just stepped out of a Disney Parade.
Highlights - and there are many - include some great numbers, not least the Mersisters (Nadia Beaumont, Danielle Griggs, Anna Lawrance, Ellis Watson, Eleanor Softly and Heather Syrett) with Daughters of Triton and the She’s in Love number providing great harmonies and a knock out song and dance routine led by young star in the making, Matilda Berry playing Flounder. Kiss the Girl is beautifully atmospheric and nicely performed by Jason Weir and get ready for a goosebump moment with the quartet vocals of Ariel, Eric, Sebastian and King Triton (Barry Jones), who are resoundingly harmonious in If Only - beautifully sung by all.
The Les Poissons number was perhaps one that could have easily been cut from the show but nevertheless was fabulously created and full of fun with Dave Shipman playing a tyrannical yet comical chef amongst the mayhem, as Sebastian is almost eaten for dinner.
One of the funniest scenes has to be The Contest where six hopeful princesses are vying for the Prince's affections. Great work from Louise Brown, Adriana Dvorakova, Courtney Emery, Rachael Farrow, Emma Stephens and Tilly Tait here. James Cohen does a great job as the steampunk looking seagull, Scuttle, and a big well done to the children from 'Team Disney' who were performing on opening night. I am 100% certain that your counterparts in 'Team Magic' will be just as awesome!
As always the show can never really be a show without everyone who is not seen on stage, so huge well done to SM, Alex Abineri, MD, Rachael Plunkett, and likewise to all the techies behind the Sound and Lighting desk led, as ever, by Glenn Oxenbury and Josh Blows.
The classic story of the little mermaid, Ariel, who longs to be part of Prince Eric's world is one of magical delight and LODS have recreated the story for the stage with a production that cannot fail to bring a smile to audience's faces. It’s colourful, creative and crammed full of fantastic songs that will charm the youngest of audience members to those who are still young at heart. With a perfectly timed residence throughout the school holidays what better time to indulge in a huge dollop of Disney delightfulness.
The Little Mermaid has matinee performances on Friday and Saturday as well as evening performances.
Review: Kim Tobin
Disney’s The Little Mermaid comes to Southend this October Half-Term! With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl”, and “Part of Your World”.
Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Tickets - £21 - £23
Concessions: £1 off (Band A, excludes Fri & Sat evenings)
Family of 4: £80 (Until the 31st July 2023)
Family of 5: £100 (Until the 31st July 2023)
A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order.
Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Tickets - £21 - £23
Concessions: £1 off (Band A, excludes Fri & Sat evenings)
Family of 4: £80 (Until the 31st July 2023)
Family of 5: £100 (Until the 31st July 2023)
A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order.
Check out our interview with the cast below plus a sneak peek at some of the songs you can look forward to hearing during the show!