THE LITTLE MERMAID JR

 (Pics by Val Adamson)

  

Schools - Durban Central

From Left to Right: Owami Masuku, Alana Francis, Nate Nefdt, Awande Msibi, Anna Kenny, Meghna Doorasamy, Larke Manto, Nzuzo Buthelezi, Isonele Mkuzo, Takunda Dembaremba, Noah Bassa, Danae Erian, Talia Ludidi

 

Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr stage musical is The Young Performer’s Project’s first show of 2026, coming to The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from April 2 – 12, 2026.

Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages - perfect for the youthful 50 strong cast. This time around, the show features 30 senior performers, and 21 junior performers. 

The Little Mermaid Jr is directed by Daisy Spencer, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay, music direction by Des Govender, sound design by Ant Govender, set and prop design by Nicolene Steyn and fabulous under the sea inspired costumes by Kathy Singery.

 

Schools - Upper Highway

Megan Burbidge, Annabelle Pattrick, Caylum Erian, Rachel Miles, Micaela Butler-Emmett, Chloe Marot, Onke Gumede, Zoe Miles, Nicolas Steyn, Benjamin Janse van Rensburg, Esihle Gobozi, Zoe Bailey

 

The cast includes Ariel played by Chloe Marot from St. Mary’s DSG (last seen in Shrek and Annie); Sebastian is Khethukuthula Ngcobo (International School of Performing Arts and Flounder is played by Azania Mavimbela (Crawford North Coast).

In a heartwarming full circle moment, Azania’s mother Sindi, a current drama teacher, reflected on her own experience as a participant in YPP’s 2009 production of Big River, directed by Themi Venturas.  Her daughter Azania, who entered the project 17 years later as a Junior performer in A Fairytale Christmas Carol, is a testament to the organization’s lasting influence. This poignant connection also highlights the profound impact of YPP’s programmes on the lives of its alumni who are giving back to their communities as arts educators.

Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr tells of a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love.

Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colourful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

  

Live - South Coast

Talia Ludidi, Kaitlyn Rex, Ntsako Mngoma, Awande Mpisi, Clive Gumede, Ezekhethelo Zulu, Danae Erian, Caylum Erian, Daniel Mayiza

 

Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years. Songs include: Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Part of Your World.

Written by Doug Wright, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

Tickets are through Webtickets. Their first show is a special Relaxed Performance on Thursday April 2 at 14h30 where theatre etiquette guidelines are relaxed and the performance is consciously calmed, where the auditorium lights are dimmed, but not dark and the audience meet the characters ahead of time. This Relaxed Performance is ideal for audience members with sensory sensitivities.

For all performances, audiences are welcome to dress up as the cast.

Tickets: Webtickets. Scholars and pensioners 10% off any seats throughout.

The show runs at 65 minutes – no interval

Audiences can meet the stage characters after the show