The Little Mermaid

USER (09Dec05): The Little Mermaid Review / Panto 2006 My thanks to Carol Lee for the invitation to review your latest production ‘The Little Mermaid’ Written and Directed by one of your own society members David Hill-Souch. As mentioned by him in the programme, it does not necessary fall into the same traditional group of pantomime, in the same way as Cinderella, Aladdin, etc: however you had the right ingredients, and it made an excellent evenings entertainment, for which you all can be very proud of. I have seen a number of Pantomimes over the past two months, and I have no hesitation in saying ‘This was the best’, (Oh yes it was) Congratulations. The Cast The Fairy Ocean Spray – Virginia Bushell Had the right temperament for the part, and her personality radiated to the audience every time she made an entrance. Excellent diction, and superb make-up. Well Done! H.R.H Prince Louis – Natalie Mullins Very suitable for the role, made good use of the stage, and made the most of her character, looked good, well groomed, pleasant singing voice, I particularly enjoyed the rendering of ‘Beyond the Sea’ Philippe Del Monte – Tony Payne Tony seemed as ease with his character, but at times seemed to be holding back? Good clear diction was used, and I felt a wig could have complemented your wonderful costume. Dame Melody Maker – Steve Heugh Excellent make-up, fine dresses, and you seemed to be enjoying yourself having a first rate rapport with the audience and cast. Excellent diction, and good timing of your lines, which is so important in a Dame role. Well done. Queen Coral – Margaret Hamm Looked well groomed, but there were times when you rushed your lines, you needed to be regal throughout, after all you were the Queen, and every-one has to look up to you. Deportment is so very important, have you ever tried walking around your house with some books on your head? For me that part was missing, otherwise fine. Claude the Crab – Andy Prior Worked well, full of enthusiasm for the role, and you could see he was enjoying his character. Good diction, and he made full use of the stage in that fine costume. Well done. Finn the Fish – Marie Heugh & Myrtle the Turtle – Becky Dunsby It would be wrong to separate these two characters, because they worked as a team. They were here there and everywhere, and throughout they acted (and not overacted) Fantastic facial expressions and good clear diction, and again showed they were enjoying their roles. Congratulations to you both. Belle the Little Mermaid – Karen Hurp Very well suited to the role, all the audience warmed to her smile and happy face. Again excellent costumes and she coped very well with her ‘tail’. Sweet singing voice, and I enjoyed the solos and duets with the Prince. Well done. Barracuda – Anne Smith Good make-up for the ‘Baddy’ role. As the show progressed she warmed to her role. good use of facial expressions, perhaps could have made more of the eyes. The French Navy / Chorus Did all that was asked of them effectively. One small point, when they sang their chorus number forming an arch; I wished they would have turned their faces to the audience, they would have been singing to us and not the wings. I did not see the point in giving the girls moustaches and not the men? The Crew Director/Author/Costume/Make up/Props & Poster Design – David Hill-Souch Is there any end to this mans talents? With such input into a show, may I ask the question – How many hours are there in your day? Don’t burn yourself out! We need you in amateur theatre for many years to come. This was a first class production, and deserves praise. Good use was made of the facilities at your disposal, a good choice of music for the show and I particularly liked the chosen backcloths you used, and the Ballet, to open the second half of the show. The props were of a very high standard. Production and Stage Management – Carol Lee Everything seemed to run smoothly, there was an ‘air of discipline’ in all that happened and I am sure Carol was responsible for a lot of this. All the crew, in whatever capacity worked hard behind the scenes to make the show a success. You had team work from the un-sung hero’s who are never seen. But what show could do without them! I thank you all for a very enjoyable evening entertainment Gareth Jeremy N.O.D.A Region 12 Rep