The props department helps the production shine with sets such as Prince Eric’s ship. Prince Eric, played by Lucas White, along with ensemble cast. Photo: WUCAC.
Lucas White played a very passionate Prince Eric. Photo: WUCAC.
The whole cast of The Little Mermaid got into the spirit with magical singing and dancing. Photo: WUCAC.
The Mersisters and their friend Flounder (from left): Tilly Russell, Esta Christensen, Yvette Dhar, Jemilla Prideaux, Isabel Goss, Jasmine Turton, Jemima Aitken. Photo: Leonard Edwards.
From left: Isabel Goss, Jasmine Turton, Yvette Dhar, Max Jobe (Sebastian), Dean Lyle (King Triton), Cecily de Gooyer (Ariel), Esta Christensen, Tilly Russell, Jemima Aitken and Jemilla Prideaux (Flounder). Photo: Leonard Edwards.
Singing and dancing Gulls (left to right). Back: Grace McCrimmon, Tabatha Heffer, Cecily de Gooyer (Ariel), Arthur Oakley (Scuttle), Nissa Campbell Walker. Front: Tilly Russell and Isabel Goss. Photo: Leonard Edwards.
Ariel’s transformation with help from the Gulls. From left: Grace McCrimmon, Arthur Oakley, Tilly Russell, Cecily de Grooyer, Isabel Goss, Tabatha Heffer, Nissa Campbell Walker. Photo: Leonard Edwards.
Arthur Oakely as Scuttle the Gull, and Max Jobe as Sebastian the Crab. Photo: Leonard Edwards.
Cecily de Gooyer glowed as Ariel the Little Mermaid. Photo: WUCAC.
Family, friends and community members were mesmerised as they were transported on a magical underwater adventure at Newhaven College’s Senior School production of The Little Mermaid.
Vibrant costumes, amazingly talented performers and professional production standards provided a dazzling show for musical enthusiasts young and old. Director, Lauren White and Musical Director, Matt Goss led and inspired a high-quality performance that was truly a celebration for the school community.
Year 10 student Cecily de Gooyer glowed as The Little Mermaid, Ariel. Cecily is no novice when it comes to stage productions, having played the lead role in Leongatha Lyric Theatre’s production of Ladies in Black in 2022. Her star power is undeniable and a future in the theatre is assured.
Cecily starred alongside Lucas White as the charming and dapper Prince Eric, Dean Lyle as the powerful King Triton, Max Jobe as the energetic Sebastian the Crab, Arthur Oakley as the highly expressive Scuttle the Gull and Aoife O’Connell as Ursula the terrifying Sea Witch. With the support of a highly energetic and colourful ensemble cast, the show was rich in talent from the youngest student up.
Principal Tony Corr drew parallels between the story and the College.
“The Little Mermaid is not just a story of adventure and romance. It is also a story of family, friendship, and sacrifice,” he said.
“Ariel's love for Prince Eric is only one part of her journey; she also learns to value the love and support of her family and friends and to make difficult choices to protect those she cares about.
“These themes are ones that resonate with our school community. We know that our students are not just learners, but also friends, siblings and members of families that support and encourage them.
“I would like to congratulate the Director, Lauren White and Musical Director, Matt Goss for leading and inspiring such a high-quality performance.”
Newhaven College provides a diverse education. It is a haven for students of all ages to find the courage and strength to find their own identity, just like Ariel. Students are encouraged and supported through their youth with Newhaven’s pastoral, academic and artistic focus.
The production of The Little Mermaid provided the perfect space for students to grow and express themselves freely.
As Lauren White says “The arts play a vital role in the development of our students. It provides an outlet for self-expression, a platform for exploration and experimentation and an opportunity to develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication and critical thinking.
“Through their involvement in this production, I hope the students have not only honed their artistic abilities but also gained a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.”
Newhaven College would like to thank all the staff, students, parents and community members who assisted with the production this year. Also, the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre for providing the venue and ticket sale support.
