The Little Mermaid to play in Joburg

Claire Scheepers as Ariel, Andre Lotter as Prince Harry, Cindy Swanepoel as Coral & Nonhlanhla Mkhonto as Jade

First published in 1837, Andersen's evergreen story of The Little Mermaid continues to enthrall youngsters and beguile adults. It tells of a young mermaid, Ariel, who falls in love with a handsome human prince and gives up her life in the sea and her identity as a mermaid to become human. She visits the sea witch Ursula and the adventure begins.

Simplified storyline

The storyline has beeen simplified in an uncomplicated plot that offers children an opportunity to learn, have fun and participate in furthering the action as they join Ariel and her dolphin friend Fin in a happy-ever-after theatrical experience,” explained Jill Girard, who is co-directing the production with Keith Smith.

Smith added: “The fantasy-style underwater set designed by Marius Boshoff, as well as spectacular costumes by Linda Wilson, will combine to make a sumptuous visual backdrop to this musical feast.”

The cast

Dominique Paccaut is Ursula the Sea Witch, Claire Scheepers plays the beautiful Ariel, Cindy Swanepoel as Coral, Shizelle Niemann as Fin, Noni Mkhonto as Jade, Darren Vercuiel as Jameson, André Lotter as Prince Harry and Matthew Lotter as King Neptune.

The Little Mermaid promises fun-filled edutainment for the whole family, with music, colour, excitement and audience participation galore.

Show times are Monday to Friday at 9am, and either 10.30am or 11am. Special schools performances are available at a discounted rate of R45 per learner and R60 per accompanying adult. Call Andrew or Lorraine at (011) 403 1563/2340 to book, or email . Tickets are also available at Computicket at R89 each.