The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme has made a triumphant return with a spectacular production of The Little Mermaid that proves well worth the wait for local theatre enthusiasts. After the venue's temporary closure earlier this year, this ambitious underwater fantasy has drawn audiences back with its breathtaking visual storytelling and emotional depth.
A Visually Stunning Underwater World
Director Theresa Heskins and designer Laura Willstead have created something truly magical on stage. The production transforms the theatre into an immersive underwater realm using silk, aerial choreography, and puppetry rather than relying on digital effects. This approach creates a tangible, dreamlike quality that digital technology could never replicate.
At the heart of the story is Maya Britto's portrayal of Marina, the mermaid who yearns for life above the waves. Britto brings both vulnerability and determination to the role, particularly shining during her aerial sequences where she appears to swim through the air with graceful precision.
The supporting cast adds rich texture to the production. Katherine Carlton delivers a scene-stealing performance as Marina's grandmother, bringing warmth and wisdom to the role. Meanwhile, Antonio Cipriano captures the essence of Prince Leo as a man torn between royal duty and genuine connection.
Creative Storytelling Beyond Disney
This production deliberately distances itself from the familiar Disney version, drawing instead from Hans Christian Andersen's original 1837 fairy tale and incorporating elements from global mythology. The result feels fresh and sophisticated while maintaining the story's core themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation.
The sea witch, portrayed by Rebecca Lee, emerges as a particularly complex character rather than a simple villain. Her motivations and the consequences of Marina's bargain create genuine dramatic tension that resonates with adult audiences as much as younger viewers.
Composer James Atherton has created an original score that blends oceanic themes with emotional melodies, perfectly complementing the visual spectacle without overwhelming it. The music supports the storytelling rather than dominating it.
A Triumphant Return for Regional Theatre
This production represents more than just another seasonal show - it marks the successful revival of a vital cultural institution in Staffordshire. The New Vic's temporary closure had left a significant gap in the region's cultural landscape, making this successful return all the more important.
The creative team has used the theatre's unique in-the-round configuration to full advantage, creating a sense of intimacy even during the most spectacular sequences. Audience members feel completely immersed in the underwater world, with characters appearing from all directions.
What makes this production particularly impressive is how it balances visual spectacle with emotional truth. The relationship between Marina and Prince Leo develops with genuine chemistry, making the stakes of their story feel real and meaningful rather than simply fantastical.
The production continues at the New Vic Theatre until January 25, 2025, offering ample opportunity for audiences to experience this remarkable interpretation of a classic story. For those who feared for the future of regional theatre during the venue's closure, this production serves as powerful reassurance that creative excellence continues to thrive outside London.
