New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme – until 24 January 2026
Reviewed by Charlotte McWilliam
4****
On a crisp November afternoon, the New Vic Theatre unveiled a reimagined and visually enchanting adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, offering an experience filled with magic, imagination, and theatrical innovation. This new interpretation blends the beloved fairy tale with dynamic circus theatre, vivid puppetry, and live music, creating a production that feels both warmly familiar and refreshingly original. It confidently earns a glowing four stars for its creativity, heart, and immersive flair.
The New Vic’s unique in-the-round theatre elevates the entire performance. Surrounded by the action, the audience is drawn straight into the heart of an underwater world brought to life through movement, light, and sound. The staging transforms the space into a living seascape, immersing viewers in the ebb and flow of ocean life and enhancing the sense of wonder that runs throughout the show.
Co-directors Theresa Heskins and Vicki Dela Amedume guide this imaginative retelling with assurance and playfulness. Their blend of aerial choreography, grounded storytelling, and atmospheric music celebrates themes of discovery, courage, and connection. The circus elements feel woven naturally into the narrative, capturing the fluidity and freedom of undersea life.
The cast — including Rhiannon Skerritt, Ines Sampaio, Darcy Braimoh, and a versatile ensemble of actor-musicians and circus performers — deliver unified, spirited performances. Among them, Coralie stands out as a truly memorable character. Fresh, funny, and enchanting, she lights up every scene she enters, adding humour and warmth that beautifully balance the story’s more emotional moments. Her presence becomes a lively anchor in the mermaid’s world, charming audiences of all ages.
One of the production’s most captivating touches is the skillful puppetry. Puppeteers use glowing lights on flexible sticks to animate shoals of fish, drifting creatures, and shimmering underwater movement. These illuminated puppets ripple and swirl around the actors, creating an ever-changing ocean environment that feels playful, graceful, and constantly alive. The effect is both simple and magical, adding texture and charm to every scene beneath the waves.
The visual design further enhances the storytelling. With its clever use of silks, ropes, and suspended structures, the stage becomes a coral kingdom filled with colour and fluid motion. Lighting shifts mimic the dance of sunlight through water, while carefully crafted props help transform the theatre into a fantastical aquatic world. The aerial work is particularly striking, offering moments of floating grace that capture the mermaid’s longing and curiosity.
Live music from the on-stage “Sea Urchins” adds depth and atmosphere, supporting each moment with warmth and energy. Their presence gives the production a cohesive musical thread, enriching both the joyful and reflective scenes with equal care.
What makes this adaptation truly shine is its ability to delight audiences young and old. It honours the classic tale while inviting viewers to experience it through inventive new forms of artistry. With its imaginative staging, heartfelt performances, glowing puppetry, and uplifting spirit, The Little Mermaid at the New Vic Theatre is a festive, feel-good adventure that lingers long after the final moments.