Based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale, and the Disney film, the stage musical ‘The Little Mermaid’ is packed full of great songs, visual delights and plenty of laughs. All of which come to you at Shanklin Theatre on 9^th and 10^th July courtesy of the large cast of multi-talented students of TheatreTrain.

I was fortunate enough to be at a recent rehearsal, and the enthusiasm with which the youngsters – some as young as six years old – attacked both the warm-ups and the songs was matched only by the consummate acting, singing and dancing skills on show.

Ariel, the little mermaid of the title, longs to visit the world above the deep ocean where she lives with her father King Triton. Meanwhile Prince Eric is on a ship, trying to avoid going home to honour his father’s dying wish and take the crown. Thoughtlessly he throws a fork overboard, which is caught by Ariel… and so begins a love story.

Of course, the lovers have to be thwarted – by the evil sea-witch Ursula – and helped – by a cast of oceanic creatures including a fish, seagull, crab and more, and there has to be a happy ending. To say more would be to give away spoilers – but I did speak to a few of the cast, and can tell you that they are so looking forward to entertaining you and they variously pick the dances; the scene in Ursula’s dark cavern; the amazing set; the beautiful costumes and the chef’s song as their favourite parts of the show.

What will be your favourite bit? Find out by coming to see ‘The Little Mermaid’ at 2pm and 5.30pm on 9^th and 10^th July at Shanklin Theatre – tickets are available at https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/theatretrain_presents_the_little_mermaid/details.aspx  and from the Theatre box office on 01983 868000. Treat yourself this summer!