Theatre / Reviews
Review: The Little Mermaid, Bristol Old Vic – ‘A feast for all the senses’
Incorporating a concoction of musical genres, original songs, stunning aerial performances, innovative set design, and some standout performances, The Little Mermaid at Bristol Old Vic is a feast for all the senses.
Written by Sonali Bhattacharyya and directed by Olivier Award winner Miranda Cromwell, this modern reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale sees Sereia – the last mermaid in the Southern Waters – played by Bristol local Liana Cottrill, attempt to save the dying coral reef.
Along the way she meets friends, foes and a human love interest.
The costumes and set design by Ruby Pugh are amongst the exceptional elements of this production. Bright orange supermarket carrier bags are transformed into vibrant skirts, and umbrellas become coral larvae in a set bursting with colour and life.
Similarly arresting are the circus aerobatics, coordinated and performed by aerialist Holly Downey. Visually stunning, they add another dimension to enhance the storytelling, elevating the production from a pantomime to a more mature creation.
That said, the panto elements and jokes are entertaining, and appeal to all ages. It’s almost like being an adult, rewatching an old Disney film and discovering all the grown-up jokes that went straight over your head as a child.
The music by Femi Temowo is fantastic, and you don’t find yourself feeling cheated by the omission of Under the Sea, or Part of Your World. The addition of live music played by Alex Heane and Harry Miller on stage right, who are also thematically – and gleefully – dressed, adds yet more depth to this underwater world.
As you’d expect, all the showings are strong here, from an ensemble cast in their element. In particular, special mentions are due to the performances from Nandi Bhebhe as Coral, Corrina Buchan as Jocasta and other characters, and Alison Fitzjohn as the misunderstood antagonist, Inky Slick.
The Little Mermaid is a production for families and adults alike, with something to entertain all tastes. Whether you are in the Christmas mood yet or not, it’s certainly a worthy addition to your festive calendar.
The Little Mermaid (age recommendation 7+ is at Bristol Old Vic on December 5-January 11 at 7pm, with some additional matinee shows (times vary). Tickets are available from www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
All photos: Johan Persson
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