REVIEW: The Little Mermaid Jr. - Valmy Academy

The Little Mermaid Jr - Valmy Academy, Camp Neverland Holiday Program

Valmy Academy’s holiday production of The Little Mermaid Jr was a bright, bubbly reminder of just how much young performers can achieve when they’re given trust, encouragement, and a tsunami of creative fun! Presented as part of Camp Neverland, this wasn’t just a show... Across one intensive week, performers aged 7–17 rehearse and perform a youth musical (alongside excursions and activities!) It requires focus, flexibility, teamwork, and stamina; and that effort was absolutely visible on stage.

This junior adaptation, based on Disney’s beloved The Little Mermaid film and the 2008 Broadway musical, was guided with care by Clara Hutton (Director and Choreographer), Eli Ball (Music Director), and Maureen Bowra (Assistant Director), under the leadership of Lee Valmy, whose program continues to nurture young performers in a supportive and confidence-building environment.

Staged at the Hope Centre (my first time there and my first Valmy Academy show!) complete with full seating on the floor and tiered sections, air conditioning (bless), dazzling lights, a raised stage, and screens... the show burst with colour to create a party under the sea!

Georgina Bell led the cast as Ariel, delivering Part of Your World with a strong, clear pop vocal and a confident American accent. She captured Ariel’s curiosity and longing beautifully and carried the role with ease. As Prince Eric, Josh Starnes brought warmth and sincerity, particularly in One Step Closer, where his stunning pop-style vocals had a very contemporary feel (very much giving “young Bieber” talent, in a good way!)

Blayde Holmes was a standout Sebastian, oozing charisma and showmanship with a natural dancer’s presence and strong stage instincts well beyond a junior level. Willow Massingham’s Flounder was utterly adorable, earnest, sweet, and vocally strong, winning over the audience every time she appeared. The six mermaid sisters absolutely nailed She’s in Love, which emerged as a standout number of the show, a polished combination of vocals and choreography that burst with youthful excitement.

Aurora Messer leaned all the way into the chaotic joy of Scuttle, delivering excitable physicality in Human Stuff and keeping the energy sky-high whenever she hit the stage. Charlotte Birmingham’s Chef Louis was, quite frankly, hilarious, with Les Poissons landing as one of the biggest laughs of the show.

Samantha Loomans’ Ursula absolutely slayed, with bold stage presence, striking lighting, fierce makeup, and a deliciously villainous accent. Poor Unfortunate Souls was a major highlight, packed with confident opt-ups and full theatrical commitment. Jorja Mugford and Polly-Jean Nemetala added loads of personality as the slithery Flotsam and Jetsam, complete with eel-inspired looks (giving Taylor Swift’s Reputation era). Jasmine Denman’s King Triton anchored the underwater world with authority and heart.

Visually, the production sparkled! The mermaid costumes were pretty and glittering, the colour palette was vibrant and fun, and Sebastian’s makeup was particularly awesome. Working with music tracks can be a bit tricky, and there were a few moments where timing and pitch wobbled, but the cast handled it like pros. Kiss the Girl could have borrowed some of the collective razzle-dazzle energy in Under the Sea, but the vocals were still a treat for my ears.

What shone brightest was just how much this production looked like FUN. The joy, pride, and collaboration onstage were unmistakable, and that’s something you can’t fake. The Little Mermaid Jr was a joyful, energetic celebration of youth theatre, and a lovely reminder that when young artists are supported, challenged, and encouraged, the results can be absolutely fin-tastic!