The Little Mermaid review – a fantasy musical with touches of magic and mysticism | Musicals

CChristmas has gone underwater for 2025, with productions of The Little Mermaid in Nottingham, Hull and Newcastle. This show, at the Watermill, is presented in the theatre’s signature actor-musician style, with the text illuminated by cheerful live folk music played on stage. There’s even some snow thrown in for a good celebration.

The story is transported to Cornwall in this short but sweet adaptation by Elgeva Field and Lara Barbier. Following the basic structure of Hans Christian Andersen’s original, it tells the story of a sea girl (here called Merin) who longs to experience life on the beach. In this version, when her younger brother Keto (a very charming Zack Burns) disappears, Mirren is forced to make a deal with a sea witch named Granny Ocean, where she trades her voice for a pair of legs.

Naturally, a classic love story is also central – this time between Merryn and a kindly local fisherman named Cadan (Tom Babbage). But there’s far less darkness to Barbier’s script than in Andersen’s fairy tale and the Disney film, and the whole thing could benefit from a shot of danger. However, the children in attendance seemed to be completely transfixed by the mysterious set designed by April Dalton, which featured an adorable seagull puppet that fluttered and sent bubbles rising into the air every time we descended beneath the deep blue.

Annabelle Aquino makes Meryn a stubborn little thing, determined to search for her brother despite her sister Serena’s cries that it is too dangerous. She is given three days to complete the task, otherwise she will disappear in the sea dust forever.

On Earth, Mirren is amazed by everything she sees. She smiles profusely when she learns to shake hands and is completely in awe of wearing a coat. Although she remains silent throughout her mission, the chemistry between her and Kadan is fading.

The songs written by Amy Parsons are a dose of joy whenever they appear. Akeno’s voice is like molten gold. It may not be the most dangerous adventure, and there are some strange swimming antics from the mermaids, but this novel is a splash of good fun for all ages.