THERE are many shows which claim they are pushing back the boundaries or that what they are doing is revolutionary. But there are few which can genuinely live up to their own publicity.

The Little Mermaid, which comes to the Lowry, Salford Quays, more than delivers on all fronts featuring aerial artists, musicians, jugglers, acrobats and singers. It’s a family show which introduces the audience to the concept of the circus musical.

Poppy Burton Morgan, artistic director of Metta Theatre, who are staging the show said: “Most of what we do is pushing the boundaries of various art forms particularly with circus and singing. It’s something we have been doing for the last five years.

“This is the furthest we have taken it in terms of the different circus disciplines within a show but at its heart, it is a musical.

“It’s not Cats or Les Mis that’s for sure but we have 26 original songs.”

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, Poppy has both adapted the script and directed the show.

“We have spent the last five years exploring what is possible and this is our most ambitious production yet,” she said.

“The thing about directing a lot of circus is that you are not impressed by the tricks any more, you get circus blindness. But my children came in to one of the rehearsals when we were going through one of the tricks in the show and their jaws were on the floor.

“It was nice to be reminded of that and hopefully the audience will experience similar feelings.”

Poppy said that working with circus performers has helped the creative process.

“The great thing with circus artists is that they are very used to making their own work,” she said. “I give them freedom to create, particularly with aerial work where they have their own moves. Things have been evolving during rehearsals and they will continue to evolve during the run.”

Although packed with jaw-dropping circus skills, Poppy has been keen to incorporate any ‘tricks’ into the story of the show.

“No trick is simply there as a trick,” she said. “They all have a purpose.”

Given the nature of many of the tricks in the show it would be easy to assume that staging The Little Mermaid would be a health and safety nightmare.

“Actually, it feels much less dangerous than working with actors who are doing something they are not used to be doing,” said Poppy. “Circus performers take safety so seriously, they understand the risks.”

Metta Theatre has gained a reputation for its revolutionary productions. The company are currently artists in residence at the V&A in London.

“For me, the dream would be to see what’s possible; to see how far you can push the human body and voice in combination.”

As a classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid is hugely suited to a family audience.

“There are so many layers that it works for families but also for adults as a work of contemporary circus or even as a new musical,” said Poppy. “But it is an extraordinary spectacle for everyone who comes to see it.

“I’d love to see this show developing a life beyond the current run.”

The Little Mermaid, the Lowry, Salford Quays, Tuesday, April 10 to Saturday, April 14. Details from 0843 208 6005 or www.thelowry.com