This fresh take on The Little Mermaid is capturing hearts and catching imaginations...
Hannah Breedon and Ollie West in The Little Mermaid
A splashtastic performance not to be missed! Little ones aged 3–8—and their accompanying grown-ups—are in for a real treat with this interactive, modern take on the beloved mermaid tale. From the moment children are invited to sit as part of the set, they’re transported straight into the shimmering underwater world of Marina’s blue, blue home.
The sensory immersion is immediate: the gentle rumble of waves, playful marine costumes and a bright, responsive set visited by Sully, the most lovable turtle puppet you could hope to meet. Every element works together to help young audiences soak up the environment as much as see it.
At the centre of this story is Marina, a charismatic and determined mermaid with a passion for creating inventions. She dreams of taking her ideas above the shoreline, eager to explore what lies beyond the endless blue. To follow that dream, however, she strikes a fateful deal with the wicked Tamara Sea Witch, trading her voice and promising to retrieve a precious diamond in exchange for human legs. Written by Joe Venable and Rob Gathercole, this modern adaptation feels fresh, accessible and full of heart.
Marina becomes a fintastic role model for young theatre-goers, embodying bravery, kindness and curiosity throughout the show. She frequently turns to the audience for help, wisdom, or encouragement, inviting children to become part of the story. The production cleverly blends STEM themes into Marina’s journey, celebrating problem-solving and scientific wonder without feeling heavy-handed.
Hannah Breedon brings Marina to life with infectious energy. She’s funny, expressive, and effortless in her transformation from mermaid to human—children roared with laughter as she marvelled at her ten newly acquired toes and navigated life on land without her voice.
Their strong vocals, natural charisma and easy rapport with children keep the room buzzing with excitement
Ollie West, meanwhile, blows the audience out of the water by switching seamlessly between three sharply contrasting roles: Marina’s warm, blue-ocean-loving Dad; her loyal turtle friend Sully; and the deliciously wicked Tamara. His command of physicality and vocal characterisation is so strong that children genuinely believe they are watching three entirely different performers.
Together, Breedon and West create a dynamic, joyful duet that offers a perfect introduction to theatre for young audiences. Their strong vocals, natural charisma and easy rapport with children keep the room buzzing with excitement. The humour lands across the age spectrum—toddlers giggle at the slapstick, while older children enjoy the clever nods to the “six, seven, eight” meme and cheeky references to Sabrina Carpenter and Ed Sheeran.
The set evokes the charm of a classic children’s TV show: bright, bubbly, ever-changing and full of surprises. There are umbrella jellyfish, light-up storybooks, an ice-cream shack, flashing security lasers, and clever inventions springing to life. A thoughtfully integrated screen offers graphics and captions, enhancing accessibility for children with auditory processing needs while adding an extra layer of interactive fun.
Perhaps the clearest sign of success is the audience itself. The children were so engrossed that they responded even when the actors didn’t prompt them—calling out warnings, dancing in their seats, and showering the characters with spontaneous advice.
My daughter, slightly older than the recommended age, left singing the songs the whole way home, delighted by the science woven through the narrative. And as a final treat, families can snap a photo by the mermaid-themed Christmas tree before heading out into the real world again.
A sparkling, thoughtful, joy-filled introduction to theatre—this underwater adventure is well worth diving into.
The Little Mermaid plays at Nottingham Playhouse's Neville Suite from Monday 3 December until Saturday 3 January 2026.
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