The New Vic Theatre has revealed the full cast for its upcoming Christmas production of The Little Mermaid, a circus theatre adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale.
Running from Friday 14 November 2025 to Saturday 24 January 2026, this new version is adapted by Theresa Heskins and directed by Heskins alongside Vicki Dela Amedume MBE. The production will blend traditional storytelling with contemporary circus, live music, and dazzling visual effects.
The show continues the New Vic’s acclaimed work for children and families and is part of its circus theatre partnership programme. It features a dynamic cast of actor-musicians and circus performers.
UK Theatre Award Best Director nominees Heskins and Dela Amedume reunite following their collaborations on The Company of Wolves, The Worst Witch, and The Princess and The Pea, which transferred to Broadway last year.
The cast includes:
- Alexander Bean as Poseidon and Snakelocks
- Darcy Braimoh as Prince Caspian
- Ruby Buchanan as Halcyon
- Holly Downey as part of the merfolk ensemble
- Arun Ghosh as Pacific Purple
- Elliot Goodhill as Xav
- Maisie Mo Harrison as Luna
- Niamh Hine as Honey Jewel
- Hazel Monaghan as Rosy Feather Star
- Melaina Pecorini as Aura
- Ines Sampaio as Red Whip Coral and the voice of The Sea Witch
- Rhiannon Skerritt as Coralie
- Harrison Sweeney as Vega and The Sea Witch
- Caoife Turner as Delphine
Theresa Heskins said:
“This will be the first Christmas production that Vicki and I have directed together, and the first as part of the New Vic and Upswing’s Circus Theatre Partnership. It’s an intriguing tale and adapting Hans Christian Andersen’s story for the stage has presented us with lots of artistic challenges, including how to create a mermaid’s tale that still allows circus performers to have freedom of movement whilst in the air.
Thankfully, we have some amazing talent on our side, including five exceptional circus artists who will create our under-sea characters. Our audience members have been captivated by the way we combined contemporary circus and storytelling in previous productions such as The Princess and The Pea, which we made specifically for young audiences last year and which transferred to the New Victory Theater in New York. I’m now looking forward to starting rehearsals with this brilliant company and sharing our version of Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved fairytale with families this Christmas.”
The Little Mermaid was first published in 1837 and explores themes of identity, hope, companionship and consequence. This new adaptation returns to the original text, promising a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience for audiences of all ages.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
