Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most well known and loved stories and the classic animated film, The Little Mermaid is a story for the young but also the young at heart. Iona Presentation College's version took to the stage at the Regal Theatre and, if the audience reactions are anything to go by, won over both categories.
With beautiful costuming (as always) from Michelle Ward, flexible sets designed by Matthew Raven, and a cast who clearly adore the story and bringing their own take to the stage, it's hard to imagine the show not winning the audience over. The cast work seamlessly together, taking on characters we know and love (regardless of their gender), and the stage crew take us from the sea to the sand in an instant.
Being an all-girls school, Iona have brought in the talents of 2 male performers to take on the male leading roles of King Triton (Matthew Arnold) and Prince Eric (Thomas Matthews). Both of the men are well cast and bring lovely well rounded characters to the stage, as we might expect given their performance histories.
The men balance well against Asha Reid as the titular Little Mermaid, Ariel. Asha's physicality in the second half is a highlight of her performance, especially in "Positoovity" where she is 'finding her feet' quite literally. The "If Only" quartet of Matthew, Thomas, Asha and Ella Bradshaw (as Sebastian) was a lovely example of the blend between their voices too, with neat, clean harmonies loaded with expression.
Speaking of Ella Bradshaw as Sebastian, the comedic characters in this rendition were a wonderful treat for the audience. The accent work from both Ella and Elle Miles as Chef Louis was perfectly stereotypical, giving the audience exactly what they hoped they would hear, and the laughs to prove it. Both kept the twinkle in their eye, knowing what we wanted, and playing right into it. There were a couple of moments where the thickness of accent combined with speed of delivery made lines a little unintelligible, but not in a way that took away from the story or comedy. The physicality from these characters, as well as the likes of Jade Heath as Scuttle and Lottie Murdoch and Samara D'Souza as Flotsam and Jetsam were delightful interjections amongst the broader show.
Choreographically, the show was simple but well cleaned. With different genres of dance scattered across this show, from tap to ballroom, choreographer Shenae White has helped the cast deliver distinctly different and energetic numbers. Of particular note was the exuberant 'Under the Sea' in Act One, with decided nods to the movie but feeling wholly it's own. There are moments where the stage felt a little empty, like in parts of "Les Poissons", but this could be down to the placement of set pieces far upstage, rather than the lack of dance ability from the performers.
The orchestra must be commended for their work. From the first notes of the overture, they were crisp, well rehearsed and really understood the energy of the different numbers through the show. Under the music direction of Adrian Soares, the band support the vocal work of the entire cast beautifully. As with any female dominated cast, there are moments where we miss the depth and richness of baritone and bass lines, but this is a minor quibble given the loveliness of numbers like "Beyond My Wildest Dreams" and "If Only".
But any minor quibble is long forgotten thanks to the energy and love the performers and creatives have clearly poured into this show. Iona should be proud of its students and staff who have, again, pulled together a high energy show that has delighted their audiences.
Reviewer note: This reviewer attended with an ex-student of Iona Presentation College. Tickets for this review were provided by the school.
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