A note from both of the directors...
Well, here we are 'one step closer' to show week! Bless the kids 'poor unfortunate souls' for having to deal with my partner in crime Ben and I over the past 13 weeks. I have been 'part of your world' with Viva now for 9 years and I have never seen so many new faces to come and join the Viva family. It’s brilliant to see the new friendships which have bonded together and allow to see them all having their chance on the big stage. They have all been a pleasure to work with and I can honestly say there hasn’t been one tear or one tantrum throughout the whole experience, I think most of them must have thought Ben and I were some weird monsters from 'under the sea' or something! Please feel free to sing along and I hope you all can see today the result of all the hard work and effort the kids have put in and enjoy it as much as I have in directing.
Lee 'Glee'
This whole production has been a journey that I will never forget. Viva strives to produce great shows and give all of its members, whether they are young or old, or novice or experienced, a chance to have their moment on stage. The Little Mermaid has been one of the biggest casts that a production team has had to work with (over 70 little ones!!). I have to admit that sometimes it has been difficult to organise 70 children and Sundays can normally look like feeding time at the Zoo(!), however, they have all been an absolute pleasure to work with and it really warms my cockles to see so many new faces joining the Viva family. I remember having a chat with a member of the cast who was giggling and chatting away to another and I asked "Did you two know each other before The Little Mermaid?” and the response was “No, we just get on really well”. I have never been so proud of a company that brings together two people from completely different backgrounds and towns and forms new friendships that will last a long, long time. There is so much talent in this show which you will see for yourself and I am sure you will all be proud of the amazing performance that you are about to see. Thank you to all of the production team and my partner in crime, (G)Lee who have made this show a reality (but really, we just wanted to do it as an excuse for two grown men to sing Part of Your World at the top of our voices). Enjoy.
Ben
