NORTHERN Ballet is holding the world premiere of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid in Southampton tonight.

And just hours before the curtain rises on this exciting new production the Daily Echo can reveal the first production images taken at their dress rehearsal last night.

Telling the story of a young mermaid who is willing to give up everything she knows in a search for love and the desire to gain a human soul this brand new ballet runs at the Mayflower Theatre until Saturday before embarking on a national tour until December 2017.

The Little Mermaid is choreographed and directed by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon OBE whose most recent creations for the Company include hits Cinderella, The Great Gatsby and Beauty & the Beast.

The production will immerse audiences in the mystical underwater world of Andersen’s famous fable with designs by Kimie Nakano (sets), Tim Mitchell (lighting) and David Nixon OBE (costumes). The production also features an original score by Sally Beamish.

David Nixon OBE told the Daily Echo: “The Little Mermaid is an enchanting story and the fantastical underwater world of the mermaids evokes such beautiful imagery. So many people have grown up with this classic tale and so I am looking forward to reintroducing audiences to the world beyond the waves.”

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk