Up where they walk, up where they run. 
Up where they stay all day in the sun. 
Wanderin’ free, wish I could be, 
part of that world.

You might think that seeing so many youth productions I would become accustomed and end up taking them all for granted. However, with each one, something fresh always comes along which then completely blows me away.

I have been watching Birmingham Youth Theatre for years now and have seen some extraordinary talent depart and new emerge. And it is when you become a regular attendee that you witness the progression of that talent. Always with a warm welcome, BYT this time offered Alan Menken’s, The Little Mermaid. Not a show I have seen before but familiar with many of the songs, and not through Disney either. I have been involved in many in concerts of my own, and suddenly realised at times, Oh yes, it’s that one.

Full of colour and energy with excellent vocals, choreography and direction, this performance flowed so well it was over before you could catch breath. Always a good sign when you don’t even have to check how long Act One has been going. I have said in recent reviews about the quality of amateur and youth societies and would yet again recommend the same. They are up there with the best shows, and cheap to watch. Win win!

The Little Mermaid. Classic tale of a fishy princess who trades her soul for love but regains it through that love itself. Menken’s score is a good one and with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, plus a book from Doug Wright, it is one of the best musicals around. And BYT totally did the show justice.

Bit of an odd one this time with cast; many of the programme listings only gave first names, so I shall respect that and credit as printed.

Ariel was played by Eva Phelan who captured the spirit of the character from the start and was perfect during Part of Your World. In the role of Prince Eric was David Morrison who I have seen develop over the past couple of years and the vocals have now reached a marvellous level with the delivery of Her Voice excellent indeed. Supporting well was the roller-skating Flounder (Shire C), the extremely red lobster, Sebastian (Andrew Morrison) and my favourite character of the show, Scuttle the Seagul (Lucie).

But then there be baddies and strife, and Sharouq A was decidedly evil as Ursula, supported well by Casey Michaela (Flotsam) and Livy Owen (Jetsam). I enjoyed Daddy’s Little Angel but still prefer the song it appears to have now replaced — I Want the Good Times Back. However, Sharouq’s rendition of Poor Unfortunate Souls was up with some of the best that I have seen.

In King Triton’s (Alex) palace we had Grimsby (Gethin Randerson) and six sisters for Aurora in the form of Lola Swoffer (Aquata), Daisy Wright (Andrina), Cerys Worthington (Arista), Lucy J (Atina), Sophie T (Adella) and Sophie Ashford (Allana). The number, She’s in Love particularly rocked with great vocals and energy and was my favourite song of the night.

Rounding off the named cast were Luke (Chef Louis), Finn H (Pilot), Ava Jones (Winward) and Anna (Leeward). And no production can work without an ensemble and here I pay tribute to Alex Lee, Amelia R, Amelia Soffe, Ava, Aya, Bella, Breah Grimley, Eden Blaney, Edina, Ella Peirce, Emily, Erin Louise, Eva Campbell, George B, Georgie D, Hannah A, Jess, Loaira Carvalhido-Gilbert, Marni, Martha McGrath, Meg Allsop, Niamh, Oonagh W, Sophia C, Tabitha Vlok, Talia, Tayla and Thomas. Please message me if I’ve accidentally missed anyone out.

On the creative team, Vivienne Morrison as Director/Choreographer can be incredibly pleased at yet another perfect production which was one of the best I have seen. Aiding well on production, though, were Maddison Clarke and Luke Griffiths with the former also co-choreographing outstanding movement from the specialised dancers in the show. Finally, Chris Corcoran was at the helm with musical direction which led to further good numbers including Under the Sea, Positoovity, Kiss the Girl and If Only, of which the quintet version blew me away.

I must also commend the excellent costumes and use of a video screen backdrop which worked well. So, another successful production from a wonderful youth company. BYT return early 2025 with the annual pantomime and this time it is Snow White. I shall certainly be there, and so should you.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

*Photos taken from social media and taken by Paul Goode Photography.