REVIEW: The Little Mermaid at Newcastle Theatre Royal

The Little Mermaid 

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Sunday 12 January 2025

Danny Adams and Clive Webb return for their 19th Michael Harrison pantomime at the Theatre Royal and it is a real treat. The show has a well deserved reputation for being a lavish production however, this year, they seem to have managed the impossible and eclipsed their recent shows by actually sticking to delivering a story rather than just being a vehicle for mad (and very funny antics). 

I have to confess that the only experience I have of the story was Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch - a parody that was at the Theatre Royal back in July. On that basis, I was at home when Chris Hayward opened the show as The Sea Witch. Now co-star Joe McElderry will often pick up the plaudits for his singing ability but Chris has a canny ability to knock out a tune too.

So the story is that Prince Eric (Christian Maynard) was shipwrecked and he was rescued by the little mermaid Ariel (Maggie Lynne). Before he gets a chance to thank her she swam away so he seeks a chance to find her and to thank her. King Triton (Wayne Smith) is keen to keep his daughter in her place at the bottom of the sea, as is the plotting Sea Witch and her two hench-eels Eileen (Kylie Ann Ford) and Elsie (Christina Berriman Dawson). The court jester Danny Crabstix (Danny Adams) is also fond of Ariel though he ends up helping her with the help of Clive Cod (Clive Web). This leaves Dishy Fishy (Joe McElderry) to pop on stage, at regular intervals, and sing songs as that's what he is good at.

The show benefits from a regular cast that the audience know well and buy into immediately. This formula is now replicated at many theatres. This show also doesn't waste time with "when I come on I want you to..." as it does not need to. Danny comes on, giggles, the audience repeats.

Mick Potts also added to the laughs
whenever he appeared on stage

This is a really funny panto - the cast, Danny in particular, has "funny bones". He knows how to make everyone laugh. This year we also see more of Clive which adds more balance to the action. It has classic elements in their including a very messy scene and a sea themed 12 days of Christmas.  

The costumes are lavish and often have the wow-factor, especially Chris Haywards. Talking of Chris, he seems to be really enjoying the dark side and playing the baddie these days. The stronger evil characters do suit him.

The special effects support the story more this year - no random rats or London buses this year. Rather we have a flying mermaid, seahorse drawn carriages and a story-relevant shark. Coupling the skills of The Twins FX with lighting designer Ben Cracknell adds to the wow factor. Talking of lighting, the black light techniques where in use for those fish above the stage and at least one of the dance routines.

The only issue mentioned on my row of the theatre was the volume - it was perhaps more rock concert than theatre. 

The Little Mermaid couples storytelling with "no expenses spared" set/costumes/ special effects. This is a real spectacle which we are very lucky to have here in our region. This panto really hits the spot.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Paul Coltas

Tickets: 

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-little-mermaid-pantomime/