An unmissable new production from Chantry Dance, created by the choreographers of David Walliams’ award-winning West End shows ‘Billionaire Boy’ and ‘Gangsta Granny’, and starring Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Shannon Parker, plays at The Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham on September 17th and 18th.
‘The Little Mermaid’ is an exciting new show for all the family created by Grantham-based Chantry Dance. Local-born performers Callie Coyle, Megan Woodfield and Aimee Clements are part of the cast playing various roles including one of the Little Mermaid’s sisters. Originally from Grantham, all three performers trained locally at DancePointe before becoming professional dancers. Callie Coyle is no stranger to the West End herself, having appeared at the Garrick Theatre with Birmingham Stage Company.
Callie, Megan and Aimee will be appearing alongside West End performers and choreographers Rae Piper, who plays Aquaria the Little Mermaid, and Paul Chantry, who plays Calder the Prince. Piper and Chantry are well known as the choreographers of the Olivier-nominated David Walliams’ show ‘Gangsta Granny’, and ‘Billionaire Boy’, which played in the West end this summer, and some of the ‘Horrible histories’ stage shows. They have also recently starred in a new film created by International award-winning director and choreographer Javier De Frutos, as well as appearing at the Royal Opera House, Sadler’s Wells and in the West End.
‘The Little Mermaid’ also stars Shannon Parker as the Sea-Witch. Known for her appearances with Peter Parker as ‘Shannon and Pete’ on Britain’s Got Talent, Shannon and Pete were BGT finalists and Wild Card Winners, as well as finalists on Sky’s ‘Got To Dance’. Shannon has an incredible dance pedigree having been Principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre and Ballet Du Rhin, and dancing for world-renowned choreographers such as William Forsythe.
Chantry’s new version of ‘The Little Mermaid’ is based on the beloved Hans Christian Anderson story, but this production has a remarkable modern twist in the tale. At Princess Aquaria’s coming-of-age birthday, she is given permission by the Sea-King to visit the World Above. Swimming to the surface, she is fascinated by a
folk band, The Sandcastles. As their music reaches Aquaria’s ears, she falls in love with the melodies and the dancing, and is enthralled by the charismatic guitarist Calder (a real prince of music). Following a windsurfing accident, Aquaria rescues Calder, and falls deeply in love with him. Making a grave bargain with the Sea-Witch, she trades her voice for a pair of human legs so she can be with Calder. But as we all know, nothing is ever that simple. Aquaria has to overcome many struggles to be with her true love, including the jealous rivalry of The Sandcastles’ lead singer, being captured by an unscrupulous fisherman, and trying to regain her voice from the Sea-Witch.
The show features outstanding dancing and aerial acrobatics from the performers of Chantry Dance, beautiful costumes and a new score from composer Tim Mountain.
‘The Little Mermaid’ is set to provide a great evening of family entertainment. Singer and TV presenter Simon Butteriss said of Chantry’s work, “…hugely impressive event last night – amazing.” Other audience members have been equally delighted, saying, “superb”, “pure brilliance” and “Chantry Dance Company….YOU ROCK!” You can find out more about Chantry Dance Company at www.chantrydancecompany.org ‘The Little Mermaid’ will play at The Guildhall Arts Centre on Friday Sept 17th and Saturday Sept 18th at 7:30pm. Tickets can be booked at www.guildhallartscentre.com or 01476 406158
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