Sea Witch: New musical inspired by The Little Mermaid to premiere on London's West End
An all-star cast has been announced for the new show including Drag Race star Michelle Visage and Strictly Winner Jay McGuinness.
A major new musical inspired by The Little Mermaid will receive its world premiere at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2026, with two special performances confirmed for Sunday 1 March at 3pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now via LW Theatres.
The show, titled Sea Witch, reimagines the origins of one of the sea’s most notorious villains.
Set before the events of the familiar fairytale, it follows Evie, a witch living in a world where magic is banned, whose path crosses with Annemette, a mermaid hiding a dangerous secret.
The story promises themes of identity, sacrifice and self-discovery, billed as “a myth reimagined” and “a villain reborn”.
All-star cast announced
Producers have confirmed a high-profile cast for the Drury Lane debut, including:
- Michelle Visage (Drag Race, broadcaster) as Tante Hansa
- Jay McGuiness (Strictly Come Dancing winner, The Wanted) as Iker
- Natalie Paris (Olivier nominee, original SIX cast) as Evie
- Mazz Murray (Mamma Mia!) as Queen Charlotte
- Amy Di Bartolomeo (The Devil Wears Prada) as Annemette
- Natalie Kassanga (Moulin Rouge!) as Malvina
Visage said joining the production “fills my heart in ways I can barely put into words,” adding that Sea Witch is “powerful, fearless, and brimming with talent”.
Paris said it was “really special to be able to create a role in a new musical,” while McGuiness described the project as “really exciting”, adding he “can’t wait to get in the rehearsal room”.
The production features direction by Kristopher Russell, who co-creates the show with writer Michael Glover. Choreography by Dean Lee, known for working with Janet Jackson, while Segun Fawole provides music and lyrics, with music production by Jeff Nang.
Producers are promising a “revolutionary” soundtrack blending cinematic pop, dark soul and musical theatre.
The show is produced by Russell & Glover Theatrical & Pictures alongside major US theatre organisations, including Nederlander, Shubert, John Gore and Willette Klausner.
Russell said the show aims to “push the genre forward”, while Glover described it as “daring, emotional, and unapologetic”. Choreographer Dean Lee said the movement “doesn’t simply decorate the story… it is the story”.
Sea Witch is based on the novel of the same name by Sarah Henning and adapted with permission from HarperCollins. Casting is by Peter Noden.