[Ad-gifted] For countless families, the New Vic’s end of year production has become a cherished holiday tradition. Year after year, the theatre continues to captivate audiences of all ages with its imaginative staging, clever theatrical magic, and exceptionally talented performers.
This season, Artistic Director Theresa Heskins has adapted and co-directed a truly breathtaking reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale, The Little Mermaid.
Brought to life through an enchanting fusion of contemporary circus, emotive storytelling and stunning design, Heskins, working alongside circus-theatre innovator Vicki Dela Amedume, plunges audiences beneath the waves into a world that feels both dreamily familiar and excitingly modern.
Set within a dazzling coral reef – who also double as an incredible ensemble of musical-actors – the story follows a young mermaid whose longing to explore the human world sets her on a journey of hope and courage. This production remains faithful to Andersen’s original tale, while updating it with modern theatrical magic and a level of spectacle that will leave you captivated. From the moment the performers glide across the stage, suspended in aerial work that mimics the fluidity of the ocean, it’s clear that this is no ordinary Christmas show.
What we thought of The Little Mermaid?
The cast is exceptional, delivering performances that balance the whimsy of a family production with the emotional depth of the original story. Rhiannon Skerritt as Coralie, The Little Mermaid, is full of a childlike curiosity alongside stubborn determination. Darcy Braimoh as Prince Caspian, who like Coralie is also on a journey of self discovery, brings fun and excitement. The whole ensemble cast take on multiple roles and includes Ruby Buchanan, Melaina Pecorini, Niamh Hine and Hazel Monaghan, throughout they help to create a rich underwater world through movement, character work and incredible aerial talent.
Musically, the production is brought to life further by composer and musical director Arun Ghosh, whose live score adds warmth and tension to the story. There are lots of fantastic original songs performed by the coral band throughout the show, with Red Coral Ines Sampaio as the perfect front woman. She also provides the haunting voice of the Sea Witch showing her versatility.
What makes this production particularly special though is the mix of circus arts with storytelling – a cornerstone of the New Vic and something they are very known for. Audiences are treated to aerial feats, dynamic choreography and mesmerising physical theatre that enhances the story even more and really helps to create that under the sea fantasy.
If you are looking to see a show with depth and heart this Christmas, The New Vic’s The Little Mermaid is the perfect magical and poignant festive production to enjoy. Whether you’re drawn in by the timeless story, the circus spectacle or the incredibly talented cast, this is a Christmas treat that will leave audiences both dazzled and deeply moved.
Cast
Alexander Bean Poseidon / Snakelocks
Darcy Braimoh Caspian
Ruby Buchanan Halcyon
Holly Downey Ensemble
Arun Ghosh Show MD / Pacific Purple
Elliot Goodhill Xav
Maisie Mo Harrison Luna
Niamh Hine Honey Jewel
Hazel Monaghan Rosy Feather Star
Melaina Pecorini Aura
Ines Sampaio Red Whip Coral / Voice of The Sea Witch
Rhiannon Skerritt Coralie
Harrison Sweeney Vega/The Sea Witch
Caoife Turner Delphie
Creative
Theresa Heskins Adapter and Director
Vicki Dela Amedume MBE Co-Director
Arun Ghosh Composer / Musical Director
Beverley Norris-Edmunds Movement Director
Laura Willstead Set Designer
Lis Evans Costume Designer
Danniella Beattie Lighting Designer
Alex Day Sound Designer
Holly Downey Choreography assistant
Anji Carroll CDG Casting Associate
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced between £25.50 to £42.
How do I book tickets to watch The Little Mermaid?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office (E-tickets will be emailed), by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will be running until Saturday, 24 January 2026. Evening shows at 7.30pm while matinee at 2.15pm with some morning shows at 10.30am.
Accessible performances:
Audio Described Performances
Saturday 20 December 1.30pm
Saturday 17 January 2.15pm
Captioned Performances
Saturday 10 January 2.15pm
Saturday 17 January 7.30pm
Relaxed Performance
Saturday 10 January 2.15pm
Thursday 22 January 10.30am
No performances on:
16, 17, 23, 24, 30 November
1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 28 December
1, 4, 5, 11, 18 January
Where is the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The theatre has a large car park, with a £2.50 charge on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.
Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.
Review by: Libby Dallimore
You may want to read this:
Review: The Three Musketeers at New Vic Theatre
Review: The Princess and the Pea at New Vic
Review: The Company of Wolves at New Vic Theatre
Review: The Nutcracker- A Christmas Fairytale at New Vic Theatre
Review: Alice in Wonderland at the New Vic Theatre
Review: Beauty and the Beast at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Photo credit: New Vic Theatre /Andrew Billington
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
18 comments
Exceptional cast and beautiful live orchestra…I can’t wait to watch The little Mermaid as soon as they play it in my city. I can’t wait…If it’s as good as the Lion King, omg…I am super excited.
I am not too sure if this production tours Karen, at the moment it is just here at the New Vic Theatre
I would love to see this. I love the way the did the water on the stage. It’s so pretty!
Absolutely! What an imaginative play and one which is out of this world
The Little Mermaid has to be one of my favourite stories. I can’t imagine how amazing it must be to go see it performed on stage. It sounds like the cast did an amazing job.
It is such a beautiful story and I love the recreation of it on stage. The cast were also simply amazing!
That review totally gives me the vibe of a dreamy underwater adventure and makes me want to check out the show.
Hope you do and yes, they created the feel of the ocean and waves on stage
This looks really cool with all the ribbons and how they’ve made it seem like they’re swimming/ under water. The little mermaid is one of my favourite Disney movies so looks like so much fun to me x
Absolutely, it was mesmerising and magical to watch especially for little ones
Oh wow, I love that they used those ribbons to be like swimming! Sounds like a fantastic preformance.
It certainly was and one worth watching!
This looks and sounds so wonderful! The little mermaid is one of my faves – This sounds like the dream!
How lovely to hear that Claire, it is my favourite as well
This live production looks awesome and I adore all of the cool costumes involved too. I would love to see this one and looks like a great time!
Hope you do get the chance to see the live show
Nila is off to see this at a school trip, I am slightly jealous , looks such a brilliant production
It is definitely one production worth watching