THE LITTLE MERMAID
2005

"Big Telly goes where other companies fear to tread water, with a charming retelling of this old fairytale."
"...rather fabulously, a whole school of mermaids, swimming underwater, their great tails splashing like a shoal of dolphins."
"Director Zoë Seaton has pushed the boat out for this original production."
"Conleth White...s lighting helps create a storm at sea, while Claire Mulholland...s choreography ensures there...s not a fin is out of place."
"Such a charming, clever show must have taken months of preparation...Its to Seaton...s credit that the end result looks so effortless and there...s scarcely a ripple out of place."
"It's a visual delight and a highly original way of introducing young children to theatre."
Belfast Telegraph, 27th May 2005

"The award-winning theatre company has gone from strength to strength...showcasing the very best of Ulster inventiveness and talent."
"...they manage to frolic and glide through and under the water in a way that is truly magical."
"Young and adult audiences will be transfixed by the fairytale of The Little Mermaid."
"Factor in the beautiful Princess Daisy as a perfect doll-like blonde, the regally assured Neptune and mermaid sisters, as well as an overpowering octopus, a storm and a shipwreck, and you have a huge hit."
"Flap your fins for Big Telly and take time to fall in love with this mermaid...s tale; you may never wish to re-surface."
News Letter, 27th May 2005

"An ambitious project, this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen...s well-loved story was staged in the magnificent setting of the diving pool."
"A cast of eight displayed breathtaking energy as they moved through the pool."
"Everyone left satisfied by the spectacle by a talented group of actors who could have been mistaken for a synchronised diving team."
Irish News, 27th May 2005

"The fairytale fantasy of Hans Christian Andersen meets the wondrous creatures and brave new world of The Tempest in Zoë Seaton...s aquatic spectacular."
"...attention is focussed onto the heart-rending tale of the sweet-natured sea maiden."
"...there is a real sense of confidence and purpose about this daringly conceived production."
"Sarah Dillon...s vividly expressive Little Mermaid leads us a perilous dance through stormy seas."
"...even the youngest imaginations will be completely caught up in the unfolding tale, thanks in no small measure to Boyd...s pounding electronic score, which drives the narrative and creates some moments of genuinely thrilling drama."
"...this ambitious, site-specific piece speaks a universal language, which will doubtless send ripples of joy and sorrow through the waters of the Far East, Canada and Europe, where it is shortly due to play."
Irish Times, 27th May 2005

"Seaton's Big Telly company producing a striking new version of 'The Little Mermaid' for the bicentenary of Hans Christian Andersen."
"...the international theatre community pricked up its ears."
"...its universal language and vivid presentation will cross all cultural and language barriers."
"...daring and unusual piece of theatre, where actors in spectacular costumes perform incredible feats of athleticism, while telling the heartbreaking story of the beautiful mermaid."
"It really is a complete experience, bringing together spectacular set design, lighting and visual effects, expressive acting, clever direction and a dramatic electronic score."
"Young and old were thrilled by a performance that was far less about Disney kitsch than traditional, magical storytelling."
Sunday Life, 29th May 2005

"There are few things worse in life than a cold wet night in Lisburn, but on one such evening The Little Mermaid transported me to a magical land of mermaids and kings, sirens and sailors, using only movement and music, creative lighting and set design and a couple of thousand gallons of water. A novel idea imaginatively executed. And I don't know how the actors get the energy for it"
John Toal, Saturday Magazine, BBC Radio Ulster, 15th June 2005