Fishy tale The Little Mermaid out to make a splash at the Civic

FANCY taking a trip Under the Sea?

Amateur theatre is back at the Rotherham Civic this week, as RTSA bring the classic fairytale The Little Mermaid to the stage.

The story, based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen and immortalised by the animated Disney film, follows mermaid Ariel and her longing to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.

The fishy fable features memorable songs including Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Part of Your World.

Director Dee Bennie-Marshall said the production was ambitious even by RTSA’s high standards.

“We’re using digital animation with a cinema screen which is something we have not done before,” she said.

“There are 140 make up changes during the show not to mention all the costume changes.”

Asked if the show was mostly suitable for children, Dee added: “The music by Alan Menken is incredible.

“Some of the morals and themes in it will make adults think.

“The daughter wanting to be something different and move away from the family will strike a chord with parents.

“It is a drama with a lot of spectacle.

“It’s got a lot to offer and the voices are the big voices you would expect.”

Taking centre stage is Rebecca Michie as Ariel, whom Dee said was “like she has been picked from the film”, while Chloe Hind plays big-hearted Sebastian the crab and Sophie Antcliff brings a touch of the sinister as the Ursula the devilish octopus.

Dee added: “We have six mermaid sisters who all have their individual moments.

Talented Sam Simmons, who made a moving puppet of Audrey II, the carnivorous plant from Little Shop of Horrors, as been at it again.

“He has made us some more really good puppets — a giant seagull and two electric eels,” said Dee.

“We’ve found out he's a musician as well, and he’s playing King Triton — there’s nothing that lad can’t do!”

The Little Mermaid is at the Civic from next tomorrow until Saturday.

Visit the theatre website for tickets.