THE LITTLE MERMAID: Beautifully-Performed Ballet With Just A Touch Of Humour And Fun ~ Adelaide Fringe 2021 Review

[CHILDREN’S EVENTS/Dance ~ SA] Star Theatre One at Star Theatres, Sun 14 Mar. The SA Children’s Ballet Company have certainly picked a popular story to tell in dance. I’m not sure where the soundtrack came from, but it was awesome and fit the choreography and story perfectly! The costume team did a fabulous job as well; the stage was often a sea of bright, happy colour except, of course, for the darker scenes like when Ursula the Sea Witch provided a spectacle – the movement and body language of intimidation! Little Miss 8 was concerned that a couple of scenes, presumably from her favourite video version, were not in the show and she didn’t quite have the fear of Ursula the Sea Witch that the terrifying presence in the movie has. Ursula danced so beautifully. But there was no doubt about the threat in her presence! Personally, I loved the humorous way the Prince and Ariel didn’t quite kiss once she’d become a human – despite Ariel’s best efforts. But the rejection delightfully mixed ballet with a touch of slapstick. The ensembles (Sea Creatures, Royal Sailors, Princesses and the Royal Court) also played important roles, supporting the main characters and the storyline – they all got to perform some good scenes and moves. Credit must go to Thomas Hall and his rendition of Prince Eric. He did a great job alongside Ariel (the main lead being shared by Heather Benn & Leila Revell). I was also impressed by Ursula (shared by Amelia Bey & Lexi Hopkins) who had some very smooth moves within her confronting and demanding demeanour – well played. 4.5 stars Clayton Werner #ADLfringe #ClotheslineMag