New The Little Mermaid musical previews first number ahead of festive run

The Watermill Theatre has released a first listen to their upcoming production of The Little Mermaid.

As this year’s festive family show, the new musical is written by Lara Barbier with music and lyrics by Amie Parsons, one half of Cornish folk duo True Foxes.

Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, this new production is set on the Cornish coast and follows Merryn, the daughter of the Sea King, as she eagerly awaits her birthday – the day she sees the world above the surface for the very first time.

The cast features Annabelle Aquino as Merryn, alongside Tom Babbage as Cadan, Zach Burns as Kitto, Lucinda Freeburn as Senara, Sophie Kamal as Granny Bessy and Granny Ocean, and Rowan Macpherson as swing, Jamie Ross as onstage MD, and Christopher Staines as King Taran and Captain Trelawney.

Watch Persons perform “Human for a Day” from The Little Mermaid:

Parsons explained that the number “explores the longing to experience life from a fresh and exciting perspective, while also appreciating what’s already yours.”

She added: “With The Little Mermaid, my goal was to keep the music and lyrics light, joyful, and full of warmth. By blending in folk influences, I wanted to bring out the heart of the story and relate it back to its Celtic roots.”

Directed by Elgiva Field, The Little Mermaid will have set and costume design by April Dalton, lighting design by Emma Chapman, sound design by Andrea J Cox, movement direction by Petronella Wiehahn, musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Candida Caldicot and puppet design by Naomi Oppenheim. The stage management team will be Cat Pewsey (CSM), Caitlin Ravenscroft (DSM), Natalie Toney (ASM), and Ellie Smallbone (ASM). Casting is by Cydney Beech. Eloise Pennycroft and Lixi Chivas will be integrated sign performers, with Chivas also providing audio description.

The Little Mermaid plays at the Watermill Theatre from 26 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with a press night on Saturday 29 November.