©Robert Day
Reviewer: Demi West
Upstaged Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
At first, Metta’s Little Mermaid may seem like a simplified interpretation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, but beneath the surface lies a magical concoction of trapeze, aerial, and acrobatics. This beautiful reinvention of the popular tale presents the perfect mixture of expression through movement and vocals, whilst being engaging for all ages.
The main and only flaw with this production is that the narrative is that of a familiar one. The story of the Little Mermaid is ripe for this style of production, thus ultimately lends itself perfectly to what unfolds visually. However, it leaves a sense of dissatisfaction as the end product feels ‘safe’ and predictable, as opposed to the effect that adaptations of other fairy tales may have had. Despite this, it was clear to see why Metta Theatre chose to illustrate the Little Mermaid, as the performance style and skills on display were expressed nicely within the narrative.
The performance is without an interval, leaving the audience submerged in the depths of the ocean, as the cast members use the graceful strength of one another to emulate the weightlessness of an underwater setting. This uninterrupted flow of plot allows the audience to experience the story as it runs its course, flawlessly moving between actions as the characters float across the stage. Combined with the running time of seventy minutes, the continuity of Little Mermaid made for the perfect viewing experience for the children in the audience, whilst still being a spectacle that kept adults mesmerised.
This spellbinding production of Little Mermaid is the perfect blend of circus and musical theatre and is the perfect showcase for the talents of the cast. Metta’s production gave a new lease of life to the Little Mermaid story and provides an alternative viewing experience that will keep the little ones entertained throughout.