The Little Mermaid is set to enchant audiences this week when the pre-Professional dancers from the Academy of Queensland Ballet present Paul Boyd’s reimagining of the beloved fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson. A perfect holiday celebration, the ballet runs at the Thomas Dixon Centre from 18 – 23 December 2025.
Guided by narrator, Sarah McIntosh, who helps younger audiences follow the story and performed to music by Jean Sibelius, The Little Mermaid bring the underwater world to life through Zoe Griffiths’ inventive costumes.
Resident choreographer Paul Boyd is delighted to welcome his 2023 production of The Little Mermaid back to the stage as part of Queensland Ballet’s My First Ballet series. The work was created especially to introduce young audiences to the magic of ballet.
“From the courageous, feisty and determined Little Mermaid, the charming Prince to the wicked male Sea Witch and his slippery sidekicks, these creatures add humour and drama to the story, keeping young audiences engaged from start to finish.”
– Paul Boyd
After choosing to ground the production in Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairytale, Boyd says he shaped the story through “delightful segments connected to new and adventurous characters.” This results in a narrative that will feel familiar yet freshly imagined.
Music became the next crucial step. Wanting to honour the story’s Scandinavian roots, Boyd turned to the work of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. He embraces what he describes as an “old-world charm” by setting the ballet in a magical, faraway Scandinavia.
At the heart of the production is a reimagined heroine designed to reflect the values Boyd hopes to inspire in young people. This Little Mermaid is determined, honest, feisty and compassionate; a character who fights for what she believes in. It is this courage, Boyd notes, that ultimately captures the Prince’s heart.
Recognising the importance of accessibility for first-time ballet-goers, Boyd also introduced narration as a guiding element. ‘The Spirit of the Sea’ character leads audiences through the story, gently navigating younger viewers through the world of ballet.
“If this is your first entry into the world of ballet, I hope these characters lead you on a path that you may want to return to.”
Boyd is quick to acknowledge the collaborative effort behind the production. He extends heartfelt thanks to the costume, set, production, audio visual and lighting teams, whose imagination and skill helped bring the underwater world to life. Special recognition goes to narrator Sarah McIntosh, whose vocal work animates the story’s many characters.
Boyd also acknowledges the dancers themselves, whose versatility and commitment shaped the characters with honesty, humility, humour, and charm. Their dedication and artistic integrity, he says, are central to the spirit and success of this enchanting production.
Artistic Director, Ivan Gil-Ortega, said Queensland Ballet is proud to bring back The Little Mermaid:
“The production proved a hit with audiences of all ages when we premiered it in 2023. Part of our My First Ballet series, The Little Mermaid is the perfect introduction to ballet and a fantastic day out for the family.”
The Little Mermaid is presented by Queensland Ballet Academy and runs from 18 – 23 December. Thomas Dixon Centre. 406 Montague Road West End Qld 4101.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qldballet/
Photo credits: David Kelly
