As family entertainment returns to Sydney's north shore for the autumn season, Disney's The Little Mermaid is set to make its splash at the Concourse Theatre, Chatswood, running from March 21 to 30. The production arrives at a time when theatrical adaptations of Disney classics are facing increasing scrutiny over their ability to resonate with contemporary audiences.
The show, based on Disney's 1989 animated film adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, presents both opportunities and challenges for modern staging. While beloved songs like Under the Sea and Part of Your World remain crowd favourites, the technical demands of creating convincing underwater sequences in live theatre have often proven challenging for regional productions.
The Concourse Theatre, with its modern technical capabilities, seems well-positioned to tackle these staging challenges. The venue's recent history of hosting family-oriented productions has helped establish it as a growing cultural hub in Sydney's north shore area, though it typically operates on an alternative scale than the city's major theatrical venues.
For families seeking young-school age entertainment, the production's timing is strategic, hitting the sweet spot between the end of summer programming and the Easter period. The relatively compact ten-day run suggests producers are aiming for concentrated attendance rather than an extended season.
While the production promises the expected elements of spectacle - including elaborate costumes and special effects - the real test will be how it handles the story's themes of identity and belonging for today's young audiences. The original animated film's messages about self-discovery and finding one's voice take on new resonance in 2025's social context.
Venue: The Concourse Theatre, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
Season: 21 to 30 March 2025
Showtimes: Friday & Thursday 7.30pm; Saturday 1pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 23 March 5.30pm; Sunday 30 March 3pm
Prices: from $59.95
Bookings: www.paca.sydney/tickets
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