26 November – 4 January
The Watermill Theatre, for their family friendly Christmas offering, have commissioned a reinterpretation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy story in which the religious undertones of the original with its talk of everlasting souls and darker references to blood sacrifice are jettisoned, instead rebranding the story as a Cornish folk tale set in Penwith. In doing so the adapter, Lara Barbier, has, with a light touch, woven in some contemporary concerns about the environment, sustainability and a song (by composer Amie Parsons) about a changing Cornwall. The excellent cast, all musicians to boot, switch happily between the ‘landfolk’ –perhaps exhibiting more jollity than joy – and the denizens of the deep.
An effulgent princess Merryn (Annabelle Aquino) whose naïve interest in the wonders of humankind and all things above the sea foam leads her into a contract in which her life is forfeit. Offered a coming of-age chance to peer above the waves she doubles up on the deal by later accepting the chance to gain human legs. The downside being that should she fail to find her brother who has been lost in a storm and unbeknownst is now captive of the blundering smugglers, she will, as is the ultimate fate of all of King Taran’s subjects, be transformed into sea foam.
The same storm in which her brother is lost also tossed local fisherman, Cadan (Tom Babbage) into the life-threatening sea. He is saved by Merryn, but remembers little of his miraculous escape until the two are reunited. Merryn, now with human legs, has had to bargain away her beautiful voice and director, Elgiva Field, conjours some of the most delightful moments as the dumb Merryn tries to navigate life in her new form under the instruction and guidance of the besotted Cadan. However, whilst there are no weddings in this tale the happy ending is provided by Merryn deciding the land is the place for her providing she can still return to her life under the sea. Her voice, so beautiful in the watery domain is much needed on the troubled land. King Taran agrees and the deal is struck whereby she is allowed back as a mermaid for three days and three nights each month. Who could fail to fall in love with The Little Mermaid? No young Cornishman worth his salt – and certainly not I. Ms Aquino sings with a confident purity and radiates a lambent spirit that captivates as it entertains.
Light relief is provided by a couple of comedy villains in the form of incompetent smugglers who have as much guile as an outed influencer found to be advertising their ‘favourite’ product.
The simple device of having the actors gently swaying to the benign currents under the waves is a clever way of drawing a distinction between the air-breathing humans and the seafolk. Designs by April Dalton add to the sense of suspended levels and a floating existence.
This touching and magical production brings a contemporary twist to a much loved fairy story.
★★★★☆ Graham Wyles 30 November 2025
Photography credit: Pamela Raith Photography
