Don’t miss the opportunity to join this magical trip under sea with Birdie Productions THE LITTLE MERMAID.  This is a truly delightful and colourful fantasy which all ages will love from the start to its ‘happily ever after’ finish. The musical is based on the animated 1989 Disney film and the classic story of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen and is the story of a beautiful mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her most precious gift to find love.

With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and book by Doug Wright, this production will enchant all who come with its irresistible songs, exciting, lively choreography and colourful animation.

Jaime Hadwen with her beautiful, clear, true voice plays Ariel, a mermaid, with much beauty and grace as she pursues her prince charming.  Tom Ragen is dashing, romantic and chivalrous in the role of Prince Eric who falls in love with Ariel’s voice having seen just a faint glimpse of her.

Andrew Symes with his rich, melodic voice in both speech and song brings great distinction to his role as King Triton, Ariel’s father who wishes to keep her in his world beneath the sea. Enter the evil sea witch Ursula played by Michele Lansdown who steals the show in her scenes expertly personifying majestic malevolence in song and action. She is ably assisted in her evil plans by Cooper Dallimore as Flotsam and Adam Cameron as Jetsam.

Ariel is helped in her quest by her wonderful friends. These are Julian Kuo who is excellent as Sebastian the crab with both highly comic and serious moments, the talented singer and dancer Jonathan Nash-Daly as Scuttle the seagull and the young Kai Lloyd-Jones who is a delight to watch in his role as Flounder the fish.

Adding humour and fun of the story are Ariel’s mersisters who are just a little jealous of their father’s special love for Ariel. The group works very well together each demonstrating their talents, Aquata – Bec Campbell, Allana – Vanessa Agius, Adella – Steph Josifovski, Atina – Caitlin Watson, Arista – Jessica Iuliano and Andrina – Kate Xouris.

In the world above assisting the prince in his troubles is the wise old Grimsby played with great dignity by Jim Burns, and Dave Collins as Chef Louis has the audience in stitches with his antics during the dinner scene.

One of the highlights of the show is the intricate & exciting choreography. A group of talented dancers have their chance to shine on many occasions such as during the song Under the Sea, the tap dance scene & the very clever use of their ensemble during scene changes. Dance captain/mersister Swing Carly Savona, dancers Tracey Blankenship, Nikki Michelmann, Erick Polinar and Georgia Putt.

Completing the excellent cast are Captain & others – Haji Myrteza and Maids, Sea Creatures & Others – Lucy Pennington and Demi Louise.

The whole production is lifted by the fabulous animations on the video walls transporting us from the depths of the evil sea’s witches lair to the glorious under sea world and then to the Prince’s palace. The seemingly unending arrays of colourful and inventive costumes are a visual delight. Changes in lighting and sets add to the fantasy lands to which we find ourselves transported.

Superbly directed by Elle Zattera and with the orchestra to lift our hearts and bring added grace to the singers and dancers this is a terrific night’s entertainment.

THE LITTLE MERMAID, Birdie Productions [Facebook] is playing at the Bryan Brown Theatre [Facebook] until April 22nd.