The Little Mermaid Was Delightful

Disney's Little Mermaid was first adapted for the stage in 2007. With music by Alan Menken, it's a given that the orchestral music will be nothing short of spine-tingling. That, coupled with a group of talented performers and hey presto, you've got a great show on your hands! Therefore it goes without saying that a massive congratulations is in order for Wing It Theatre, who confidently delivered a show with a super air of professionalism tonight!

Taking on the leading role of Ariel was Aiyana Khan. Sweet and endearing, she was captivating as the young mermaid and paired well with Alfie Pearce as the charismatic Prince Eric, who had a truly beautiful quality to his voice.

King Triton was played by the young Patrick Ward, proving that age is merely a number. Delivering a performance significantly beyond his years - he held his own as the powerful ruler of Atlantica. Meanwhile, Paige Gatford made for a hilariously quirky Sebastian.

Delightful cameos came from Aston Sidwell as Flounder and Holly Boden as Scuttle - each making their mark in the production. They are little stars in the making. Plus, special mentions to Kirsten Hamilton as Chef Louis and Jenna Hancock as Grimsby.

However, the performance of the night came from Elizabeth Simpkins. She was utterly mesmerising as the scheming, devilish, tentacled Ursula. Each and every element of her performance made it entirely clear that she has got oodles of star quality.

What is always such a joy when seeing young people perform on stage, is the 110% that is put into everything they do. There was not a weak link in the cast, and by the end the audience were up on their feet.

It would be a huge omission if I did not commend the hours, weeks and months of hard work the incredibly talented creative team put in. Clever additions, such as the use of Heelys to evoke gliding through the water, and umbrellas turned into jellyfish, were strokes of genius!

Callum Roberts, Charlie Guest and Sophie Ayers (along with the rest of the team on and offstage) created a production of the highest quality with an incredibly talented bunch of 9 to 16 year olds.

Well done to all involved.

Little Mermaid Jr plays at The Albany Theatre, Coventry until 9 April.