THE LITTLE MERMAID

MAGICAL WATER-THEATRE

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The Little Mermaid Autumn 2006 Tour

Playing in Belfast for the very first time, The Little Mermaid makes a triumphant return to Northern Ireland after 100 sell-out shows and a breathtaking International tour to Taiwan, Denmark, Serbia and the UK. Award-winning Big Telly Theatre Company has been invited to perform their critically acclaimed production The Little Mermaid as a flagship event in this years Belfast Festival at Queens.

Grove Leisure Centre, York Road, Belfast

31st October - 4th November

Belfast Festival Box Office on 028 9097 1197

or visit www.belfastfestival.com

Finis Inc

The monofins used by the company have been sponsored by Finis Inc. Finis develops the most technological and advanced training equipment for the swimming industry. From competitive swim wear and technical training equipment to high-end competitive swim goggles and children's water confidence products, Finis offers something for swimmers of all abilities to improve their technique and add to their enjoyment of being in the water. Additional information on Finis and Finis Products is available at http://www.finisinc.com

The Little Mermaid Reviews

"With over 100 performances throughout the world already under its sea-faring belt, this production has long since gained its theatrical water wings and floats along seamlessly from splashing start to enchanting ending. Yet, it still manages to make a big splash within the festival programming on this, its Belfast debut. Based on the Hans Christian Anderson original, this flipper-filled fantasy fairytale is bereft of dialogue, but combines expressive performances, spectacular synchronised swimming, colourful costumes, mood-inspired lighting, Paul Boyd's dramatic musical soundscape and Zoe Seaton's downright clever direction to present an entertaining and universal package that will appeal to everyone from entire families to non-theatre going individuals. From octopus to sea-horse to magical mermaids, all sea-life is here in this atmospheric aquatic adventure about the mermaid's first visit to the surface and her subsequent relationship with a ship-wrecked prince. So much more than an old, wet love story, this spellbinding spectacle also boasts dark and light moments reflecting good and evil, without forgetting a sense of fun (you may get wet in the front rows!). Seaton's diversionary tactics ensure a successful transformation scene when the mermaid finds her land legs in this deep sea drama. Full marks must also go to a very fit, talented and energetic cast in what is already a world-class production by this innovative, ambitious and risk-taking local company. This is what Festival should be about? Wat-er show! ? a must-sea!"

Belfast Telegraph, 1st November 2006

"Belfast's Grove Baths might seem a confined space for a story on the scale of Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale but, one storm, a shipwreck, a ball and a wedding later Big Telly's interpretation had convinced young and old alike. Although the show has received glowing reviews around the world, this is the Portstewart-based company's first performance in Belfast and it worked magnificently. The sheer energy of the mermaids aside, the combination of lighting and sound helped expand the 'stage' to dramatic proportions that embraced comedy, pathos and enough sheer terror to have younger members of the audience hiding in coat linings, if only for a few moments. From the first moments as the cast made their appearance underwater, the story of the mermaid who gambled everything for love made riveting viewing. If anything, the necessarily basic props added to the emotional impact as the young mermaid’s quest for love leads to its tragic conclusion. The physical effort required by the mermaids during the beautiful set pieces is considerable and to produce such a convincing and entrancing story at the same time is a wonderful achievement. Just one note for parents: if you're going to catch this show, remember it's the original story and not the Disney version so there's no Hollywood ending. The Little Mermaid runs at the Grove Leisure Centre, Belfast, until Saturday."

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