The Little Mermaid 2025 NODA Review

Darnall Musical Theatre Company presents

The Little Mermaid

10th-13th July 2025 at the Darnall Education Centre, Sheffield.

Director and Musical Director Janet Black

Producer Jack Taylor

Assistant Musical Director Beth Black

Choreographer Sara Kitchen

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glen Slater

As a representative for Noda NE I have the absolute privilege of being invited to most of the local Sheffield societies in varying venues from the Lyceum to much smaller performance spaces. Some societies audition ever part, some don’t, some have massive budgets , others not so, but one thing remains constant and that is simply the immense effort put in by production teams and performers alike.

Visiting Darnall however provides something quite different in so many respects. The overwhelming support the adult production team provide for the ever-increasing number of young actors wishing to be a part of the ‘ Darnall family’ is simply commendable. As for me personally I feel like I’m re visiting close friends and associates with the welcome always received. You should all be so pleased with the unique society that Darnall MTC continues to be.

2025 sees the society venturing ‘Under the Sea’ with the Disney classic, The Little Mermaid. The story of Ariel, the youngest of 7 daughters of King Triton, who has a thirst for adventure striving to see what life out of the water meant. She falls for the dashing Prince Eric but has to sacrifice her stunning voice in an attempt to see life on land. The vision of Janet Black as your director created wonderful under water scenes, clearly passing on her wealth of experience, and along with Sara Kitchen the chorography was well thought out and delivered. The ingenious costumes utilising umbrellas with attached material creating jelly fish characters, along with many other sea creature inventions. The music by Alan Menken along with the lyrics tell such stories and these we brought to life with many well delivered solos, duets, group and full ensemble pieces.

As the production went along the actors grew into their roles with more and more ease and some of the Act 2 harmonies quite excellent. Ariel by Annabella Taylor, what a lovely performance, excellent acting and singing. I look forward to your progression in the future. You showed many talents, lovely scenes with Prince Eric, strong passion dealing with your father, some polished singing in the many numbers you were involved in. I really enjoyed ‘Part of Your World’. Prince Eric by Charlie Betts, great delivery of ‘Her Voice’ and showing your increasing talents in acting and song.

The production provides many options for performers but I don’t like to make the review simply he did well, she did well, as I genuinely enjoyed the whole production. Sebastian by Megan Green, the lady in red, a lobster, great all round performance. It was wonderful seeing two cast members returning from University taking such different powerful roles. Ursula by Beth Black, the leader of the sea witches, such a polished performance in your musicality with great acting through song throughout and Chef Louis by Hannah Blackwell, what a great chef cameo, your chopping venom was something else. I couldn’t help but think of ‘ Be our Guest’ during that number. Grimsby by Dylan Bowman the Princes right hand man, Flounder by Millie Warhurst a busy part on skates performed well, King Triton by Jack Taylor, the all powerful Dad with costume to ‘melt’ for, along with Scuttle by Charlotte Hunt. Pilot by Lola Hull, Flotsum by Gemma Fairclough, Jetsam by Sarah Betts, Winward by Elliot Wooliscroft , Leeward by Noah Overend-Hogg and Mrs Bubbles by Poppy Rae Smith. You all delivered your parts with confidence and conviction. The Mersisters, Imogen, Isla, Emily, Millie, Maiya and Mia, well done to you all, great fun when deciding who was the best singer.

The production gave many opportunities for adult involvement which were well performed. The maids did a lovely job and along with all those ensemble members involved as Sailors, Chefs and Sea Creatures. What a special opportunity as those two young groups, Team Flounder and Team Sebastion, led and look after by more senior ladies, trod the boards with wide eyes and great smiles.

The production had many excellent scenes, well thought out and performed well by the all involved team Darnall.

The music well balanced and lighting adding atmosphere throughout. The clever costume choices added so much to the production.

The whole society should be thrilled to not only deliver a wonderful evening of theatre and particularly as it was so hot.

I sincerely wish the whole society success but more so to continue the togetherness and community they have embedded in their ethos. Well done to all the unseen team backstage, chaperones,FOH and general family helpers.

Philip Smith

Noda NE District 6 Regional Rep