Adam Smith Theatre: Panto makes a hit return with a Fife twist to classic story of The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid opened at the newly-refurbished Bennochy Road theatre, and provides a fun, updated version of the Hans Christian Anderson and Disney classic.

The panto tells the tale of Kim Shepherd’s Princess Azurial’s quest to meet, fall in love with Benjamin Kempton’s Prince Eric and save the Kingdom. However, the menacing Auntie Augusta, played to panto perfection by Lorraine Graham, has other plans, hoping to become the first panto baddie ever to come out on top.

The two hour show flies in as the cast sing, dance and, at times, swim their way through the Kingdom of Tritonia. The impressively designed set fully immerses you in the underwater world.

Scott Watson and Greg Powrie provide much of the comedic heartbeat of the story as Princess Azurial’s confidants Freddy the Flounder and Crustina the Crab respectively. From slapstick comedy to Fife based banter, they have the audience in fits of laughter from start to finish.

And, at times, it’s hard to work out who is having more fun, the audience or the cast, as they crack joke after joke, struggling to suppress their own laughter. In true panto tradition however, the jokes are not just for the younger members of the audience, with many of the year’s big events poked fun at.

Kim and Michelle Donnelly, who plays Queen Oceana, both get to show off their impressive vocals via a number of original and re-worked chart hits.

Fife panto stalwart Colin Little takes on the dual role of Auntie Augusta’s sidekick Codswallop and Prince Eric’s trusty companion Captain Blowhole. Whether it’s bumbling henchman or confused captain he hits the right notes. The nine person main cast is completed with ensemble cast members Charlotte-Jean Moore and Bradlee Wetherill. The pair dip in and out of characters to bring the story to life.

Overall, the show is a family-friendly panto which the cast clearly enjoys performing, and the audience enjoys watching and taking part in, in what is an impressive setting at the Adam Smith Theatre.