Media Release:
Academy of Queensland Ballet presents The Little Mermaid
A story of love and courage told through movement, colour, and character.
Brisbane, 10 December 2025; Based on Hans Christian Anderson beloved fairytale and reimagined by Academy of Queensland Ballet resident choreographer, Paul Boyd, The Little Mermaid and performed by the pre-Professional dancers from the Academy of Queensland Ballet. A perfect holiday celebration, the ballet will enchant audiences 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.
Choreographer Paul Boyd said audiences will meet a cast of colourful characters.
“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,” Boyd said
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,” Gil-Ortega said.
From the Choreographer, Paul Boyd
I am absolutely thrilled to see my 2023 production of The Little Mermaid return for Queensland Ballet’s ‘My First Ballet’ series. After deciding that I would base the story on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale, combined with what I felt could be delightful segments connected to new and adventurous characters, the music was the next vital element to discover.
Wanting to pay homage to the Scandinavian origins of the story I have chosen music from Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. I decided to keep the old-world charm and set this version in a magical place in faraway Scandinavia.
Wanting to create a ballet where our heroine was of a strong nature, and to help promote the strength that we wish for in our young woman of today, this Little Mermaid is determined, honest, feisty, compassionate, and fights for what she believes in. The Prince falls in love with her courageous nature and all that she strives for.
I felt that the support of narration during the ballet was an important element for our younger audience, and the character of The Spirit of the Sea, will navigate you on this adventure. If this is your first entry into the world of ballet, then I hope the Spirit of the Sea, the Little Mermaid and all these wonderful characters lead you on a path that you may want to return to.
My gratitude goes to the Costume, Set Design, Production, Audio Visual and Lighting teams whose imagination and wonderful skills have assisted me to bring this magical production to the stage. A special thanks to narrator Sarah McIntosh and all the wonderful character voices that she has created!
And to the versatile dancers who developed these characters and gave them honesty, humility, humour, and charm, I thank you for your dedication and artistic integrity.
Paul Boyd, resident choreographer, Academy of Queensland Ballet.
# ENDS #
Credits
Choreographer, Paul Boyd, Music, Jean Sibelius, Costume Designer, Zoe Griffiths, Set Designer, Josh McIntosh,
Video Designer, Craig Wilkinson, Lighting Designer, Ben Hughes, Narrator, Sarah McIntosh.
Performance details
What: The Little Mermaid
Dates: 18 – 23 December 2025, 60 minutes, no interval.
Tickets: see here,
Venue: Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre
Editors Note
Interviews and images: Claire Vince, PR and Communications Manager, Cvince@queenslandballet.com.au / 0468 726 910.
