Trans and Non-Binary Led ‘The Little Mermaid’ Reimagining Set for London Premiere

London’s vibrant LGBTQ+ arts scene is set to welcome a bold reimagining of one of the world’s most beloved fairytales. This October, ‘Little M’—a trans and non-binary led adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Mermaid’—will premiere at The Place, a renowned dance and performance centre in the UK capital. The production is co-directed by trans non-binary dancer, choreographer, and visual artist Anders Duckworth and non-binary writer Luke Skilbeck, marking a significant step for transgender and non-binary representation in mainstream theatre .

Billed as a “magical coming of age story,” ‘Little M’ follows the adventures of its titular character and their friend Punk the Puffer Fish, who discover a suitcase filled with mysterious treasures that spark curiosity about the “world above.” When their questions go unanswered beneath the sea, Little M embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery. The show promises “fantastical puppetry, magical transformations, and spectacular dance,” blending visual artistry with movement to create an immersive experience for audiences aged nine and up .

The official synopsis frames the story as “an underwater fairytale world reimagined for a new generation,” with a focus on themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to be oneself. The production is described as “life affirming” and a celebration of “the power of being at home in your own skin and discovering who you really are” . This vision is especially resonant for LGBTQ+ youth and allies, as it centers the experience of those who have often felt marginalized or unseen in traditional narratives.

‘The Little Mermaid’ has long held a special place in LGBTQ+ culture. Hans Christian Andersen is widely believed to have written the original tale in response to his own unrequited love for a man, Edvard Collin, after Collin’s marriage in 1836. Literary historian Rictor Norton notes that Andersen cast himself as “the sexual outsider who lost his prince to another,” embedding themes of longing and otherness into the story . These queer undertones have made the tale a touchstone for generations of LGBTQ+ readers and audiences.

The cultural resonance deepened with Disney’s 1989 animated adaptation, in which the villain Ursula was famously modeled after the drag queen Divine. The story’s themes of transformation, yearning for acceptance, and the pain of forbidden love continue to resonate with queer communities worldwide . ‘Little M’ builds on this legacy by explicitly centering transgender and non-binary voices, both onstage and behind the scenes.

The creative team behind ‘Little M’ is a testament to the growing visibility of transgender and non-binary artists in the UK theatre scene. Co-director Anders Duckworth brings a background in dance and visual art, while Luke Skilbeck contributes as a writer, ensuring that the production’s narrative and aesthetic are authentically informed by trans and non-binary experiences .

The show is supported by Gendered Intelligence, a UK-based charity that works to increase understanding of gender diversity, as well as FEAST and Yorkshire Dance, organizations dedicated to fostering inclusive arts environments . This collaboration underscores the importance of community partnerships in amplifying marginalized voices and creating safe, affirming spaces for artistic expression.

The premiere of ‘Little M’ arrives at a pivotal moment for transgender and non-binary visibility in the UK. Recent months have seen both progress and challenges for LGBTQ+ rights, including a Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of “woman” that has raised concerns among advocacy groups about the potential impact on transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals . In this climate, cultural productions that celebrate gender diversity take on added significance as acts of resistance and affirmation.

Theatre has historically been a space for exploring gender and identity, and recent years have seen a surge in trans-led and non-binary-led productions. For example, the all-trans and non-binary rehearsed reading of Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night,’ directed by Phoebe Kemp and opened by Sir Ian McKellen, reimagined one of the Bard’s most gender-fluid comedies through a contemporary trans lens . These productions not only reclaim classic stories but also challenge traditional casting and storytelling norms, paving the way for more inclusive futures in the arts.

‘Little M’ is specifically targeted at younger audiences, with a recommended age of nine and up. This focus reflects a growing recognition of the importance of positive, affirming representation for gender-diverse children and teens. For many young people, seeing stories that reflect their own experiences can be transformative, offering validation and hope in a world where their identities are often misunderstood or stigmatized .

The production’s timing—during Genderfluid Visibility Week—further amplifies its message. By staging ‘Little M’ in this context, the creative team and supporting organizations aim to foster greater understanding and acceptance of gender diversity, both within the LGBTQ+ community and in society at large.

As ‘Little M’ prepares for its London debut, the production stands as a beacon of progress in the ongoing struggle for transgender and non-binary visibility and rights. By reimagining a classic tale through a contemporary, queer lens, the show not only honors the story’s queer origins but also charts a new course for inclusive storytelling in the 21st century.

Tickets for ‘Little M’ at The Place are now available, offering audiences the chance to experience a fairytale transformed for a new generation—one in which everyone, regardless of gender identity, can see themselves reflected onstage .