The Little Mermaid Jr – peril awaits an underwater mermaid who follows her heart to dry land (BSPA at Stranmillis College until Sunday 28 July)

While she’s living under the reef of her father, mermaid Ariel isn’t meant to be popping up to the surface to collect human treasures. But what King Triton doesn’t know about one of his many daughters, won’t hurt him. Until Ariel saves the life of capsized Prince Eric, and she falls in love. Will the evil and power-hungry Ursula kill a second of the family? Will Sebastian overcome his imposter syndrome and truly protect Ariel? Or will Chef Louis serve the crab up for dinner? And could little Flounder be any more cute?

The Little Mermaid Jr is one of BSPA’s summer productions, finishing its run on Sunday afternoon at Stranmillis College. The show gets off to an energetic start with Fathoms Below. Soon we’ve been introduced to the court jester Sebastian (Nina Rodrigues), Princess Ariel (Amy Nelson) and guppy Flounder (Sophia Bell).

The merpeople’s nemesis, Sea Queen Ursula (Nicole Craigan) steals scenes with her stage presence, emotional range, and solid vocals, particularly during Poor Unfortunate Souls. She’s ably assisted by Flotsam (Joe Felo Cownie) and Jetsam (Chloe Anderson), henchmen with a great sense of comic timing.

Amy Nelson’s great dynamic range is demonstrated in Ariel’s Part of Your World. Cast members support her on-stage quick-changes as her fish tail swaps for legs and feet. Nina Rodrigues owns the stage performing Under the Sea while the ensemble dance around her, later conducting the audience with the confidence of a much older actor.

Watch out for Craigan, Rodrigues and Nelson picking up principal roles in BSPA’s senior productions in years to come.

There’s clearly been an emphasis in rehearsals on good diction – nearly every line is clear and unrushed. The most junior cast members are effectively used, creating swarm effects and singing their hearts out in ensemble numbers. The set is simple, augmented with Geoff Clarke’s signature lighting effects with an expanded fleet of moving heads. And the choreography of the final tableau – with everyone on stage at the end of the finale and before the curtain call – is uncharacteristically asymmetrical yet incredibly pleasing in its layout.

Given the opening of the Olympics in Paris, Chef Louis (Sophie McEwan-Lyon) adds some timely French cuisine – and peril for a young crab – with an animated performance of Les Poissons. Playing Prince Eric, Joshua Stewart courts a mute Ariel with a sweet charm. Phoebe Martin-Connor’s King Triton wields the giant trident with confidence and valiantly tries to keep everything shipshape and Bristol fashion in the underwater kingdom.   

Throw in some full cast sea shanties after the interval before act two begins, a seagull who is more Sandy Row than sandy beach, and foam bubble guns which enhance the mood lighting, and you have an entertaining, tuneful and well performed musical. Hats off to all the performers, director Peter Corry, musical supremo Ryan Greer (and Seanna Hutchinson who was at the helm this evening) and choreographer Sean O’Neill for shaping this three week summer project into a memorable production.

The Little Mermaid Jr’s final performance is on Sunday afternoon. Just a handful of tickets remain. And BSPA pupils will soon be back on stage at The MAC with their senior project, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 August. Tickets always sell quickly.

(The roles of Ariel, Scuttle, Flounder and Chef Louis are split between two cast members across the performances.)

Photo credit: Toby Watson

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