The Panto Company

It’s celebration time under the sea and everyone is very excited. Everyone, that is, except for Arabelle, the King’s daughter. She is far more interested in exploring the reef and collecting objects from the human world, which she eagerly shows to her best friend, Sid the Starfish. Ignoring the warnings of her grandmother, Marilla, Arabelle brings yet more objects back to the palace but this time she isn’t quick enough to hide them when her father appears.

Outraged by his daughter’s disobedience, King Poseidon reprimands Arabelle, insisting that she is never to venture out to the reef again. One day she will be the ruler of the kingdom. She must show him that he can trust her. Unwilling to listen to Arabelle’s protests, Poseidon storms out, leaving Marilla and Sid the job of cheering Arabelle up. Marilla promises that she will speak with Poseidon and, on his return, she encourages father and daughter to talk. Unfortunately this meeting does not end with the reconciliation Marilla was hoping for.

As Arabelle leaves, Poseidon turns to his mother for guidance, but she only points out the similarities between father and daughter. Arabelle is growing up, just like Poseidon and the independence she seeks is leaving him with the same fears that Marilla still has. A parent never stops worrying about their child and will always try to protect them.