With Christmas only a few weeks away, Beeston residents can look forward to a delightful family show at Lakeside Arts, The Singing Mermaid from Friday 9 to Saturday 31 December.
The much-loved tale is brought to Nottingham by Watershed Productions, which has toured nationally with Horrid Henry – Live and Horrid! and Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play, with stunning staging, brilliant puppetry and original music, guaranteed to enchant little ones aged 3+.
The Singing Mermaid tells the tale of the mermaid with a wonderful voice, who is tempted away to join the circus, only to find herself trapped by the circus master. Will she ever escape? And who will help her along the way?
The Singing Mermaid picture book was written by Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo) and illustrated by Lydia Monks (What the Ladybird Heard). The stage adaption, originally co-produced by Little Angel Theatre and the Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton, was described by The Guardian as “a fun, warm-hearted adventure.” It is performed by three talented actors/puppeteers, and music was specially written by Barb Jungr, who also composed songs for Little Angel Theatre’s We’re Going on Bear Hunt – a popular show that just had a sell-out run at Lakeside this November.
Matt, Beeston-based father says, “It’s great to be able to just pop onto a tram with my son and in a few minutes get to see a show at Lakeside. He’s six, and has really started to enjoy theatre, and having so much happening on our doorstep means he can enjoy it frequently, in a friendly atmosphere. The shows we’ve been to have all been of an exceptional quality, and rather than have a shudder of fear run down my back when I think of a room full of loud and lively kids, I find I enjoy them almost as much as my son. We’re both looking forward to The
Singing Mermaid, he’s a fan of everything Julia Donaldson does so to see it bought to life on stage is an exciting prospect!”
Lizzie Wort (Puppeteer), Samantha Sutherland (Puppeteer) and Phil Yarrow (Puppeteer) in The Singing Mermaid by Julia Donaldson @ Little Angel Theatre. Adapted by Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr.
(Taken 28-02-18)
©Tristram Kenton (02-18)
(3 Raveley Street, LONDON NW5 2HX TEL 0207 267 5550 Mob 07973 617 355)email: [email protected]
Shona Powell OBE, Director at Lakeside Arts says: “I loved this production when I first saw it. The performances and puppetry are fabulous, and the music has lots of memorable tunes. I’m sure, that like me, audiences will find themselves singing ‘How I love to Sing’ and ‘Swimming Free’ long after they’ve been to a show.”
Lakeside is a great place to visit with little ones. Based on the idyllic University Park campus next to Highfields Park, there’s plenty of space for children to burn off energy, as well as two cafes full of goodies for everyone. The family friendly Sophie Ryder art exhibition in the Djanogly Gallery and the mermaid-inspired coral installation in Wallner Gallery created by Nottingham school children will be also free to visit throughout the festive period.
To book your tickets go to lakesidearts.org.uk/SingingMermaid
Photo Credit © Ellie Kurttz