Affiliated Groups
As well as funding and facilitating our own productions, Mermaids also supports a number of other performance and arts-based societies in St Andrews, from comedy to musical theatre. The following page is a quick showcase of all the incredibly talented groups affiliated with Mermaids.
Introducing Our Newest Affiliate
The St Andrews Charity Pantomime
While they are the newest Mermaids Affiliate, The St Andrews Charity Pantomime are the oldest student pantomime troupe, dating back to the by-gone times of 2023! Since then, they have put on multiple shows both in St Andrews and at the Edinburgh Fringe. Entirely run by students, the troupe prioritise keeping their theatrical flare low budget and relaxed, all while raising hundreds for various incredible charities. Their latest pantomime Robin Hood: A Battle in Belgium, will be performed at the Barron at the Byre on the 2nd and 3rd of February, in support of Endometriosis UK.
What does it mean to be a Mermaids Affiliate?
There are six main benefits to being affiliated with Mermaids!
1. Shared Set & Props Scheme
As an affiliate of Mermaids, you will be able to access Mermaids set, props and costumes for your productions, events, and shows without charge.
2. Rehearsal Space
As an affiliate, you will have access to more rehearsal and can share excess rehearsal with Mermaids and its other affiliates.
3. Funding
Affiliates have the possibility of receiving financial support from Mermaids for performing arts projects.
4. Marketing
Affiliates will be part of Mermaids "Performing Arts in St Andrews" Semester Programme. Additionally, affiliates receive support from Mermaids with marketing their shows and events on our social media and mailing lists.
5. Show Space
Mermaids affiliates get access to booking performance spaces in the Barron theatre.
6. President Forum
Affiliate presidents are invited to Mermaids' president forum, which is a platform where you can easily share your inserts and concerns with the performing arts officer, They can then advocate for you if needed to the Students Representative Council (SRC), the Byre, and/or the University Drama and Music Committee (UDMC).
"Little Shop of Horrors". The Musical Theatre Society. 2023.
MusT
MusT is St Andrews' dedicated and talented musical theatre society. They perform at least one musical a semester, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, both as a performer, musician and production team member! Their upcoming events for Spring 2026 include MusT's 40th Anniversary Masquerade Ball (13th February 2026, Hotel du Vin), Achilles in Heels (23rd February - 24th February 2026, The StAge), and The Addams Family (19th March - 21st March 2026, the Byre Theatre),
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Golden Seashell Winner: Best Affiliate Production (Bonnie & Clyde)Best Affiliate Performance (full cast) (The Rocky Horror Picture Show 2024)
"Jekyll & Hyde".
The Musical Theatre Society. 2024.
"HMS Pinafore".
Gilbert & Sullivan Society. 2023.
Gilbert & Sullivan Society
Since 1970, the University of St Andrews Gilbert and Sullivan (G&S) Society have been meeting on a regular basis to rehearse, perform and generally appreciate the works of librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, the famous Victorian duo who wrote (among others) Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S Pinafore! They are comprised of some of St Andrews’ most talented performers, and pride themselves on being open to beginners and those more musically experienced alike. Anyone with an interest in music, performing or being on a production team is welcome to join their cast, crew or orchestra.This semester, their upcoming show is The Sorcerer.
Blind Mirth
Blind Mirth are St Andrews' oldest, best, and only, Improvised Comedy group. With a free show every Monday evening in the Barron Theatre, they play both long and short form games that are guaranteed to give you a good laugh!
"Your Mum: and other playground insults."
Blind Mirth. 2023.
"Into the Cosmos".
Dance Club. 2024.
Dance Club
Dance Club is one of the largest and most diverse societies at the University of St Andrews, run entirely by the students. The society welcomes everyone — whether you are a complete beginner or have been dancing all your life, you'll find a class to suit you!
A Cappella Society
With the aim of promoting A Cappella in St Andrews and beyond, A Capella Society is the umbrella society for the A Capella groups - The Alleycats, The Accidentals, The Other Guys, The Hummingbirds, BELLS, and The Vocal Bandits — in St Andrews.
"The Other Guys: EDI Fringe".
A Cappella Society. 2022.
Comedy Society
The Comedy Society is dedicated to getting St Andrew students involved in comedy, providing platforms for performance and creating a community of comedians
Inklight
Inklight is the University of St Andrew's creative writing society. They support all writers on campus, regardless of genre: from high fantasy novels to lyrical poetry to modernist plays. Come along to their open mics, poetry competitions and writing circles and make sure to submit to their semesterly creative journals to get your writing published!
Studio Platero
Studio Platero is a St Andrews theatre group devoted to the production of a single, two-year spanning musical theatre production, entirely composed, written and performed by students. In the age of AI, Studio Platero takes a conscious stand to focus on traditional artistic techniques to develop its projects that empower student artists and creatives, and encourage them to fully explore their talents. Its main ongoing project, "The Tears of Nerakhis", will make its debut in February 2026!
