NE1 Reviews: The Little Mermaid
NE1's Rachel Barlow reviews Newcastle Theatre Royal hilarious festive pantomime – a splashing good time!
Pantomime season is in full swing, and this year The Little Mermaid at the Theatre Royal Newcastle has truly raised the bar.
Forget your run-of-the-mill panto; this show is the highlight of the festive calendar for so many families, friends, and fans of feel-good entertainment. Be warned, though—my cheeks were still aching from laughing and reminiscing on scenes after the curtain went down!
From the moment you step into the theatre, you’re greeted by a mesmerising set bursting with colour, sparkle and aquatic creatures! The stage is decked out with so much glitz, it could rival any West End production—it’s easily one of the most impressive setups I’ve seen at the Theatre Royal this year.
A Wickedly Good Cast
The villain of the piece, played by the incredible Chris Hayward, brings a darker edge to the role of the wicked sea witch compared to his usual upbeat dames. That said, his charm and humour shine through, and his Geordie sidekicks, played by Kylie Ann Ford and Christina Berriman, add their own hilarious spin with plenty of local references to keep the audience in stitches.
Prince Eric and Ariel are every bit the classic fairy tale duo, with brilliant performances and stunning voices that left me wanting more of them. That said, in true panto style, their time on stage is somewhat limited—but this only means more time for the stars of the show: Danny Adams and Clive Webb.
Danny and Clive: Comedy Gold
Returning for their 19th year, the father-and-son comedy duo are truly the heart of this panto and SUCH loveable characters. Danny’s quick wit and knack for turning mishaps into comedy gold had the audience in tears of laughter. Honestly, some moments left me wondering if they were scripted or simply brilliant improvisation—especially the unforgettable 12 Days of Christmas scene, which had everyone roaring with laughter.
Amid the jokes and chaos, there’s plenty of sparkle to marvel at. The costumes alone are a spectacle, dripping with sequins and glamour that could make even the Strictly Come Dancing wardrobe team jealous.
A Star-Turn from Joe McElderry
Local legend Joe McElderry is so full of fun as Dishy Fishy. Watching Danny take every opportunity to tease Joe throughout the two-hour show is hilarious—and the chemistry between the cast is a joy to watch. We also really enjoyed the reference to Joe’s nan – we’re all big fans of their podcast in the NE1 office!
As well as the cast, the production also has some real showstopper moments that had the audience “oohing” in awe. For a theatre of its size, the effects and immersive touches are genuinely impressive—no matter where you’re seated, or what your age is, you really do feel part of the magic!
A special mention must go to Wayne Smith as King Triton who had such a captivating stage presence when on set, and he EVEN managed to hold dialogue despite the best efforts of Danny and Clive to derail the script with their humour and little nuances... well he may have stumbled once or twice!
Of course, we couldn't not review the panto properly without mentioning Mick Potts, the unsung comic hero of the show year on year! Whether he was flying past on a skateboard, preparing to be painted, or even dressed as an animal halfway through the air (blink and you'll miss that one!), Mick is such a character bringing so many laughs to the show and certainly doesn't disappoint this year!
A Must-See Christmas Tradition
With so many pantomimes on offer across the region, it’s hard to choose, but the Theatre Royal has created something truly special with The Little Mermaid. This isn’t just a show; it’s a tradition, a chance to see familiar faces and celebrate the festive season with belly laughs and a big helping of heart. It’s this genuine connection that makes the Theatre Royal panto so special and keeps audiences coming back year after year.
From the moment Danny steps on stage to the final curtain call, the audience is full of excitement, responding to every catchphrase and moment of chaos. It’s a unique atmosphere that few theatres can rival.
The Little Mermaid runs at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday, 14 January 2024. Tickets start from £12 and can be booked on the Theatre Royal website.
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