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The annual pantomime is the jewel in the crown of Glasgow’s King’s Theatre, and this year’s offering – The Little Mermaid – brings a brand new title to the King’s audience with a side-splitting, lavish production full of festive sparkle.
This spectacular sea-faring adventure has it all – gleaming effects, showstopping songs and a gallus script perfect for a Scottish audience.
Leave any preconceived plot at the door – for this pantomime is not heavy on storyline. Those hoping to spend an evening with Ariel, The Little Mermaid might be left wanting – but it’s pantoland, and we know that plot is often spared for frivolity.
Audience favourites Elaine C Smith (Queen Mary Monkfish) and Johnny Mac (Johnny Crabstix) join forces once again in a perfect panto pairing that keeps the tradition that panto needs – as well as grabbing the wee ones by their collars in a barrage of Fortnite, K-Pop Demon Hunters and the nation-capturing 67… whatever that is!
Smith caters to the nostalgia that decades-long attendees crave, while Mac is bang up to date, capturing the zeitgeist with brilliant accuracy.
Johnny Mac is now firmly in his stride on the King’s Theatre stage – he’s already booked to return next year – and it’s not hard to see why. As Johnny Crabstix (snap-snap), he shines with infectious optimism, joyful energy and a hilarious turn of phrase.
Our guide through the pantosphere this year – and keen to know what we’re all daein – is dazzling Dishy Fishy (Darren Brownlie), completing the comic trio who rule the roost at this iconic Glasgow venue.
We might not see much of this princess, but Jasmine Jules Andrews is a delight as the majestic mermaid who just wants to be where the people are – up on land!
Every pantomime needs a baddie and Hannah Jarett-Scott is back at the King’s this year on wonderful form as The Sea Witch, who tricks Ariel into giving up her voice to spend a day with her swashbuckling Prince Eric (Benjamin Lockhart), a more timeous principal against his fellow cast.
This year’s production is a visual spectacle – bringing a shimmering, splendid set from last year’s Newcastle production that encapsulates every corner in the setting of the beautiful briny.
Kathryn Rooney packs an unbelievable amount into this year’s King’s panto. The little plot rattles along at a wild rate, and it’s hard to count the sheer number of routines in this show. There’s no doubt audiences don’t get bang for their buck.
The King’s panto always promises to be a spectacle that will explode with festive magic. The Little Mermaid firmly fits the bill!
The Little Mermaid at King’s Theatre, Glasgow until Sunday 4th January 2026
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
