The Little Mermaid @ the Riverside

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2005 sees Sphinx Theatre Company celebrating 30 years with its sparkling production of The Little Mermaid, returning by popular demand. Hans Christian Andersen’s
classic fairytale has been reinvigorated in a new contemporary adaptation by Pam Gems.
Sphinx’s production of The Little Mermaid will be one of the many bi-centenary celebrations of Hans Christian Andersen’s birth taking place throughout 2005.

The Little Mermaid tours England from 4th October to 12th November with London performances at Riverside Studios (20th – 23rd October). There will be a London press performance at Hackney Empire on 18th October at 7.30pm.

On the Little Mermaid’s fifteenth birthday she visits the world above the sea for the first time and falls in love with a Prince whom she rescues from a sea storm. Her love overwhelms her and she braves a journey to the evil Sea-witch, whose assistance she begs in order to see the Prince again. She enters a Faustian pact with the Sea-witch and agrees to give up her beautiful singing voice and mermaid’s tail in exchange for human legs.

Sue Parrish’s production creates the worlds of below and above the ocean with an exhilarating fusion of text, aerial ballet, acrobatic and physical theatre, enhanced by Howard Davidson’s evocative soundscape and musical score.

Received to huge acclaim by audiences of all ages on its premiere in 2004, this up to date version discloses new layers and texture to the original story.

The Little Mermaid is directed by Sphinx’s Artistic Director, Sue Parrish, Designed by Liz Cooke, Music by Howard Davidson, Choreography by Dominic Leclerc, Lighting by Chris Davey and Sound Design by Fergus O’Hare.

Pam Gems' many plays include Piaf (SWET Award, RSC, West End/Broadway); Queen Christina (RSC); Loving Women (Arts Theatre); Pasionaria (Newcastle Playhouse); Aunt Mary (Donmar Warehouse/New York); Camille (RSC); The Danton Affair (RSC); The Blue Angel (RSC); Stanley (Olivier Award /Evening Standard Award for Best Play - National Theatre, New York); Marlene (West End, National/European Tour) and The Snow Palace (Sphinx Tour/Tricycle Theatre). Pam’s many translation credits include Lady From The Sea, which re-opened the Almeida in 2003.

Sphinx Theatre Company produces experimental new work and new adaptations by women writers which offer strong roles for actresses. By placing the female protagonist centre stage, Sphinx explores the role of women in society, often through use of unconventional means as in this their latest production of The Little Mermaid.

Sue Parrish has been the artistic director since 1990. The company’s most recent productions include Sweet Dreams by Diane Esguerra, Vita and Virginia by Eileen Atkins, directed by Maria Aitken, The Snow Palace by Pam Gems, directed by Janet Suzman, Goliath (starring Nichola McAuliffe), A Wedding Story by Bryony Lavery (starring Jackie Clune), and Cherished Disappointments in Love at the Soho Theatre (starring Janet Suzman and Les Dennis).

Listings Information

The Little Mermaid is suitable for audiences aged 8 + years.

Riverside Studios: 20th - 23rd October at 7.30pm. Thursday – Saturday 7.30pm
Sunday at 2pm & 6pm
Box Office: 0208 237 1111
Ticket Prices: £14/£9 concs/ £7.50 Under 16s, Early Bird Offer, when booked by 1 OCT (applies to 20th & 21st Oct shows) Matinee Offer - £7.50 (first 70 tickets)

October 2, 2005