Bristol Old Vic's impeccable production of The Little Mermaid puts the Disney version to shame 🧜‍♀️

Going into the show, I wasn’t sure how similar it would be to the Disney film we all know - but it has a completely original story that, if anything, puts the Disney version to shame.

There are elements that remind you of the film, with catchy songs, a love story and hilarious characters - but the Old Vic version is truly in a league of its own.

From the moment you enter the theatre from King Street, the immersion begins, with The Little Mermaid spectacularly projected onto the building’s historic walls.

From there, when you take your seat in the main auditorium, the fun continues, with audience interaction from the incredible cast members.

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I had a funny interaction myself with the fantastically talented Alison Fitzjohn, who audience members may remember from playing the Lion in the Tobacco Factory’s Christmas production of Oz a few years ago.

She plays the villainous Inky Slick as well as a friendly turtle in The Little Mermaid, and is as funny as ever. It seems that every single fish-themed joke has been included in the dialogue, and I would expect nothing less!

The main plot of the Old Vic show is about an ocean and its creatures being under threat from oil drilling, with many parallels to the real world threats.

But the production is brought to life with joyous original songs, circus and dance, which just makes it unique and engaging for the audience.

There’s also plenty of humour among the scenes, with the cast playing multiple roles, including a pregnant male seahorse and an Irish shark.

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Nandi Bhebe brings the character of Coral to life with her captivating voice, making every moment she sings a pure delight.

The relationship between Liana Cottril as Sereia (the mermaid) and John Leader as Kai (the human) is also portrayed beautifully.

The re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid is a blend of joy, warmth, and humour, with a poignant and artfully narrated story.

The Little Mermaid is showing at Bristol Old Vic until Saturday, January 11. For tickets, visit here.