The Singing Mermaid
Did you ever go to Silversands,
On a sunny summer’s day?
Then perhaps you saw the mermaid
Who sang in the deep blue bay.
One day, the singing mermaid is tempted away from all of her underwater friends and their peaceful home in the ocean to join a travelling circus. The people love to hear her sing, but the poor mermaid is unhappy. Instead of the marble swimming pool she was promised, she is kept in a small tank by the wicked circus master Sam Sly.
Will she ever escape? And who will help her along the way?
The Little Angel Theatre has transformed their classic children’s stage into a star-spangled seaside circus, and use the power of puppetry to take us through an hour’s production. The plot is based on the family favourite by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks, and has been adapted by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane. It is an example of exemplary story-telling on all parts.
A small cast of 3 play over 10 characters between them, and do it all so smoothly you really do forget that the puppets are not operating themselves. These actors also have a lot of responsibility in the wings; although they spend admirably minimal time off stage, they have to keep track of such a wide array of props and pieces that it’s a wonder how they manage! Naturally, stage manager Alex Hobbs deserved a huge amount of credit in this department.
Ruth Calkin shines as the titular character, and her vocal intricacies are incredible. Louise Mellor provides support in all scenes, and has a beautifully intimate relationship with all the inanimate objects she so effortlessly brings to life. The comedic relief from what (at times) becomes a rather emotional musical comes from Sam Dutton who has the audience like putty in his hands within the first 5 minutes!
Laura McEwen steals the spotlight with her outstanding set and costume design, both of which are more functional than almost any other show of this calibre. The equally talented Sherry Coenen blesses us with her brilliance via fairy lights and illuminated bunting. This pair of creatives should work solely together from now on, as their work compliments the other’s far too well to justify otherwise.
The whole technical team exceeded any expectation you may have for family entertainment, and a special shoutout must go to the sound operator who did not miss a beat in what must be a pretty packed track!
The venue is so well versed in what they do, that it is really unsurprising to see them come out with yet another successful show. Running until the end of January, this is a perfect pre or post-holiday treat for those who want a break from the craziness of Christmas, as the show is not at all festively themed, but still a wonderful reminder of the seasonal joy it brings.
This show was reviewed on the 30th November 2024 at the Little Angel Theatre, London where it runs until the 26th January 2025. Tickets available here: The Singing Mermaid | Little Angel Theatre
Review written by Katie Anna McConnell
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Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
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