Bourne Abandons Disney's Little Mermaid???

Things can change quickly in theatreland. While the week before last Matthew Bourne spoke to Whatsonstage.com theatregoers about his involvement in the big-budget Disney stage adaptation of The Little Mermaid (See The Goss, 11 Dec 2002), he has since changed his mind on the matter. In today's 20 Questions interview, the director and choreographer confirms that both he and his award-winning Adventures in Motion Pictures designer Lez Brotherston have withdrawn from the project. "It was going to take up so much more time over the next two years with workshops and readings and casting," he said. "Things are going so well with New Adventures (Bourne's post-AMP outfit that's so far mounted Play Without Words and Nutcracker!), I didn't want to give up on this company at this point." How long the duo's resignation might delay The Little Mermaid - and who might possibly fill their shoes - is anybody's guess. On the upside for Bourne fans, the decision does free him up to progress more quickly on his planned adaptation of Tim Burton's film noir Edward Scissorhands. He has also reiterated his hope to one day found his own permanent repertory company. For more information and to read the full interview, click here.

Got some goss? Contact gossip@whatsonstage.com

Related Content