REVIEW: The Little Mermaid – King’s Theatre, Glasgow

With glittering costumes, gorgeous lighting and a host of Glasgow’s stage favourites, this year’s pantomime, The Little Mermaid, marks a sparkling return to form for Glasgow’s King’s Theatre.

Largely following the plot of the familiar fairy tale: mermaid Ariel (Jasmine Jules Andrews) rescues Prince Eric (Benjamin Lockhart) from a watery grave. It’s love at first sight for the aquatic princess, who yearns to be reunited with her love. She makes a deal with the devil (her aunty the Sea Witch, played with glee by Hannah Jarrett-Scott), gains a pair of legs but loses her beautiful voice. Needless to say, after shenanigans a-plenty, everything works out to bring the hopeful happy ending.

Coming in at an economic two hours including an interval, the story cracks along at pace with familiar panto faves in place, including the chocolate bar skit, a slapstick song and some gentle audience harassment. A host of pop culture references are peppered throughout: The Traitors, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Labubus, Liam Gallagher and even (the ex) Prince Andrew.

There are songs peppered along the way from re-written classic oldies and musical theatre standards to sentimental ballads. Jasmine Jules Andrews has a classic “Disney” voice for her big numbers. less successful is Benjamin Lockhart’s Prince, who may need a little time to bring some life to the role and find a stronger voice. Stand out among the small cast, and providing the lion’s share of the laughs are the ever-reliable Johnny Mac as Ariel’s lovelorn best pal Johnny Crabstix and the ever-flamboyant Darren Brownlie as Dishy Fishy.

Bringing a new title to the King’s has proved to be a winner this festive season, breathing life and giving a spring in its step to arguably Glasgow’s biggest pantomime.