When Crawford International North Coast pupil Azania Mavimbela performs in The Little Mermaid Jr this April, she will be following in her mother’s theatrical footsteps.

Azania’s mother, Sindi – now a drama teacher at Crawford International North Coast – was once a Young Performers’ Project (YPP) cast member herself, appearing in Big River in 2009. Seventeen years later, Azania joined the same organisation as a junior performer in A Fairytale Christmas Carol and will now play the role of Flounder in YPP’s first production of 2026.

Crawford International North Coast pupils Oratilwe Mthiyane and Vrishti Singh are also part of the cast, adding to the local talent involved.

The Little Mermaid Jr will run at The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North from April 2 to 12. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale and the beloved Disney film, the story follows Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of life on land and makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to pursue Prince Eric.

Directed by Daisy Spencer, the show features a cast of 50 young performers and includes favourite songs such as Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Part of Your World. The production runs for 65 minutes with no interval.

The opening performance on April 2 at 2.30pm will be a special relaxed performance, ideal for audience members with sensory sensitivities. Tickets are between R200-R250, available through Webtickets, with a 10% discount for scholars and pensioners.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.