Disney The Little Mermaid

It is difficult to imagine a better venue for The Little Mermaid in WA than Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. With a foyer with full length windows that overlook Mandurah Estuary, this might almost be a castle by the sea, and a careful look out to the water might just reveal mermaids.

Attending a matinee performance, there were dozens of tiny mermaids and little girls in party frocks in the audience and the excitement was palpable. A lovely choice for a first-time theatre experience, this show had high production values, good quality performances and a good blend of the familiar and the new.

In the title role Eibhlis Newman had sweetness of voice and of face, and despite being a few years older, was very believably “16”, so not much older than the legions of young fans. Braeden Geuer was a worthy Prince Eric, giving him personality and individuality.

Kristie Corbishley was an impressive Ursula, who demanded attention, and who skilfully operated the puppetry required of Linda Lowry’s most impressive costume, a skirt of tentacles that seemingly move randomly and independently. Crab Sebastian, played with great personality by Jioji Nawanawa, was a clear audience favourite from the moment he appeared (earning well-deserved entrance applause), with his movement being especially impressive. Luis Proctor was delightful as Flounder - and his immersion in character was notable.

Impressive teamwork and great singing from the six mersisters, Alyssa Murakami (Arista), Jocelyn Scatter (Aquata), Rhiannon Graham (Andrina), Paris Meeres (Adella), Remy Deleo (Allana) and Holly Vandeervant (Atina), while their long-suffering father is played with fine vocals by Paul Hayward.

Sky Kettle is a sassy, scattered Scuttle, while Cody Fullbrook and Scott Hansen are a dynamic dastardly duo as Flotsam and Jetsam. Nicely completing the key cast were Aidan Thomas (Grimsby), Hayden Alcorn (Leeward), Hunter Perry Windward) and Azza Gee (Pilot).

A large ensemble worked hard throughout. The tapping seagulls, choreographed by Caitlin Wainwright were great fun, and Head choreographer Rhiannon Francis’ work was usually very well executed - although not always with perfect timing in the larger ensemble numbers.

A live band co-ordinated by Musical Director Vanitha Hart played well and it was great to see the joy of the young audience members who “discovered: the orchestra in the pit.

A fun family show that clearly entertained the capacity audiences.

Kimberley Shaw