The Pond Wife is a fun, colourful and very sparkly modern adaptation of the Little Mermaid with a lot of 90’s pop thrown in performed by the bubbly Holly and Ted.
There’s an innovative set made out of a bathtub, many cheesy dance routines, sparkly tinsel curtains that double as pop star set dressing and seaweed, a wind machine, quick changes galore and lots and lots of glitter.
I wasn’t quite sure whether this was a show aimed at children or adults but perhaps it doesn’t matter. They listed the show as suitable for children aged 12+ but I think this is a mistake – younger children will love this show too and there is no bad language or racy themes. It’s definitely a show you could take the whole family to; the lead character is beautiful, talented, intelligent, independent, adventurous and kind - the kind of female character you want your little girl to look up to.
Holly Norrington and Teddy Lamb have, according to their website, created the company Holly&Ted to bring fun and accessible feminist theatre into the community. This modern mermaid wasn’t exchanging her voice for a Prince with perfect teeth; she was searching for the perfect groove. There was a mixed age range in the audience and everyone seemed to be smiling so they seemed to have achieved their aim with this show. Although I would say that unless you have a vague knowledge of mid nineties pop music some of the dialogue might be lost on you. Holly and Ted do explain at the start that they were both born in the early nineties. They apologise if this makes us feel old (it does a little!)
They perform with gusto and this show certainly has everything thrown at it! There’s an innovative set made out of a bathtub, many cheesy dance routines, sparkly tinsel curtains that double as pop star set dressing and seaweed, a wind machine, quick changes galore and lots and lots of glitter. Whilst their enthusiastic performances can sometimes seem a little manic and chaotic they certainly don’t ever let the energy drop.
Teddy Lamb proves himself a talent and versatile performer with a wide range. He plays the sea witch, the Little Mermaid, Lucky - the 90’s pop star with a hidden talent - and various Mermaid Sisters amongst others.
The Pond Wife is cheesy fun, fluff with a feminist heart that makes for a very enjoyable hour.
