**** (4 stars)
“A big splash of a panto!”
Critically acclaimed and award winning panto creator and director Michael Harrison brought The Little Mermaid to life last year at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal and now that awesome production makes its Scottish debut at the home of Glasgow panto The Kings with a new book written by Harry Michaels and Alan McHugh with additional material by Kings legends Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac. Directed by Kathryn Rooney the Glasgow team deliver a big splash of a panto for the festive season.
The Little Mermaid is most closely associated with the 1989 Disney animation but is actually a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837 and this panto version leans more to the Disney movie telling the story of life under the ocean waves as Ariel, The Little Mermaid ( Jasmine Jules Andrews) longs to be part of the world above and feel the true love of Prince Eric (The gorgeous Benjamin Lockhart) whom she saved from drowning following his falling overboard on a stormy night at sea. Living in the world of the ocean floor is Queen Mary (The iconic Elaine C Smith) John Crabstix (Johnny Mac and the height of his panto powers) and the mayor of Atlantis (Darren Brownlie who delivers a camp panto masterclass). Queen Mary has a sister, but she has turned to the side of evil due to her unending selfishness, Ursla the Sea Witch! (play to panto villainy perfection by Hannah Jarrett- Scott). When Ariel arrives above the waves to capture the heart of the prince Queen Mary and Johnny Crabstix find themselves in a race against time to save Ariel from the evil Ursla but also to ensure true love comes out on top and help Ariel to find the princess with in.
This is a panto that delivers everything it should and more and performances across the board are universally excellent. Its clear the show is geared to Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac who are now a beloved part of the King’s panto pantheon whose lineage goes back nearly 65 years. Elaine C Smith proves again why she is the most respected female dame and panto headliner in the country and boy does she still have the vocal chops to belt out the songs with gusto. Johnny Mac is sublime in the lead comic role, a role which he has made all his own and its clear he is enjoying himself every moment he is on stage. The duo is never better than when delivering panto sketches including “Chocolate Bars”, the “trunk of truth” and a fabulous retake on the 12 days of Christmas routine which cleverly uses the under-water world to its full advantage. What stands out most is while Smith and Mac may lead the cast, it’s a team effort and every one of the six strong principal cast get there moment to shine. Special mention must go to Darren Brownlie who channels a remarkable Alan Carr impersonation and shows he isn’t scared to send himself up when Elaine C Smith takes “River City” in her sights to hilarious effect.
The principal cast are joined by a flawless and polished eight strong ensemble who shine especially when delivering Jane McMurtrie’s excellent choreography which often embraces a Scottish flavor to great effect.
Production wise it’s a west end affair Andrew Exeter’s bubble infused set design is wonderful and beautifully lit by Matt Davies beguiling Lighting design. The lighting also brings out the best in the fabulous costume design by Teresa Nalton (with specialty costume design by Mike Coltman and additional costume design by Ron Briggs) that brings a myriad of sea creatures to life in glittery fashion. Greg Clarke’s sound design is pitch perfect and brings on the point balance between musical director Neil MacDonald’s stellar six strong pit orchestra and the cast on stage. The cherry on this panto cake is the stunning special effects from The Twins Fx that sees a sea horse take flight in spectacular style.
The Little Mermaid is a panto that delivers everything it says it should, often delivering so much more but the show comes in at 2 hours 10 minutes including a 20 minute interval and because of the incredible pacing the show feels even shorter to the point it feels like an extra sketch could have been added to make it fully satisfying. The tradeoff is, compared to some years, the Glasgow King’s have a panto with a story at its heart and its truly a magical adventure well worth the ticket price and ensures the Glasgow Kings panto remains the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s biggest city. Pure Panto Magic indeed.
The Little Mermaid, King’s Theatre, Glasgow runs until Saturday 4th January 2026 for more information and tickets go to: The Little Mermaid (Pantomime) Tickets | King’s Theatre, Glasgow in Glasgow | ATG Tickets
The King’s Theatre Glasgow and Crossroads Pantomimes have confirmed the 2026/27 pantomime will be a spectacular new production of “Aladdin”.
ScotsGay Arts 