How can we envision Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid in our modern days? What message can it still carry? What transformation are we expecting? Co-directed by choreographer Anders Duckworth and writer Luke Skilbeck, Little M, a brand-new, bold reimagination of this age-old tale, invites audiences, especially those young kids, to be immersed into an underwater dreamscape interweaved with movement, puppetry and life-affirming storytelling. In this production, curiosity, confusion and identity all intertwine and flow together like currents beneath the sea.

At The Place, the audience are immediately arrested by E.M Parry’s fantastical, atmospheric stage design where ropes are entangled with coral and turquoise set as the backdrop, with a bathtub on stage right covered with white sheet. On top of that is a miniature of the prince’s castle, standing high in-between human land and sea. A moveable iron bed sits in the centre of the stage, inviting the audience to peep into the underworld of mermaid.

Duckworth’s choreography is especially striking, vividly capturing the fluidity of the dancers’ bodies as if they truly are creatures of the sea, floating, swift, but at the same time full of vibrant strength. The ensemble of four (Jose Funnell, Áine Reynolds, Naissa Bjørn and Tylee Jones) moves with an extraordinary smoothness that fuses dance and storytelling into something effortlessly captivating. Funnell’s performance, in particular, stands out in the scene where the little mermaid walks on land for the first time, showcasing her tentative, trembling steps convey both wonder and pain with touching sincerity.

Nicole Raymond’s composition and sound design provide a melodic, ambient undercurrent that sustains the show’s emotional backdrop without overemphasising it. The music flows around the movement gently enough to guide the audience through waves of awe and joy.

Designed by Scamp Niemz, the puppetry adds a more playful and cheering layer that delights both children and adults. A charming anglerfish puppet with its glowing “lamp” and sharp teeth quickly wins the hearts of the kids. I am especially impressed by Ursula’s eerie form that reminds me of the puppet of “No-Face” from the stage adaptation of Spirited Away. Following its London premiere, Little M will start its UK tour in 2026, with dates including Chichester Festival Theatre on Friday 16 January and Leeds Playhouse on Tuesday 17 February. Presented by The Place, the production continues its mission to celebrate difference and self-discovery through dance, puppetry and storytelling, bringing this reimagined underwater adventure to new audiences across the country.

Tickets are available here.