Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch, started life as a one-hour Edinburgh Fringe parody. The production is now a smash hit, and receives rave reviews throughout the extensive UK tour. Created by Leeds-based Robyn Grant, the show is a celebration of all things LGBTQI+
Hot on the (high) heels of York Pride, Unfortunate docks at the Grand Opera House York. But is everything ship-shape, or does it sink to the depths?
First up, this ain’t The Little Mermaid folks. The recommended age is 16+ for strong language, partial nudity and sexual themes throughout. There’s more than a smattering of smut, with songs about…well…I can’t even say here. In short, it’s not for kids but ideal for a fabulously fun child-free night out!
The show tells the (fishy) tail of queer icon Ursula, the villainous sea witch we all love to hate. This origin story takes us back to her early days when life…sucked. She’s a toilet cleaner in the murky depths.
Hook, Line and Sinker
Like a fish on a hook, we were quickly reeled in by the brash humour, colourful staging and camp shenanigans. The writing is witty, and the songs oh-so-catchy.
There’s puppetry too, with a hideous assortment of deep sea dwellers in the song We Didn’t Make it to Disney. It’s nautical nonsense in the best possible way!
Shawna Hamic plays Ursula, a formidably fierce villain who’s delights in tricking Ariel. Hamic wrings every nuance out of the role, and dominates the stage in a sea of tentacles and black leather. Incredible vocals and stage presence to boot, she’s the ultimate Ursula and a delight to behold.
Cry me a River
Drag fans will recognise River Medway from the 2021 series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, and here Medway plays the naïve – and horny – Ariel. With a grating Essex accent, she plays the dumb redhead with superb comic timing. As ‘Speechless Lady’ she mimes her way through the second half, and carries the role with brilliant expressions.
Gone is the cod-Jamaican accent for Sebastian…here the castanet-clicking crab is from County Cork. Sebastian is an under-used character – and there’s no parody of Under the Sea – although Dart has time to shine as French chef Collette, and one half of ‘Gay Eeels’ Flotsam and Jestom.
Eric (Jamie Lawson) hits all the right notes, both figuratively and on his beloved flute. He is the perfect himbo to Ariel’s bimbo!
Like a young Boy George, Thomas Lowe is our Triton – complete with spandex and a mop of bleach blonde hair. He hams up the role and belts out the ballads to perfection!
It’d be shellfish not to mention the rest of the cast, and none of them flounder. This is truly an ensemble piece, and many performers play a dazzling array of roles. Julian Capolei is listed as Grimsby, but he also wows as Vanessa in Ursula’s shapeshifting attempt to woo the Prince. Hot Girl Summer is a pure drag-fest, complete with slut-drops, twerks n’ all.
Special mention to Kirsty the Sea Cucumber Princess too, the best vegetable-based royalty I’ve seen in a long time.
A-Band-on-Ship
Musical director Arlene McNaught leads the live band. Whilst this adds a real depth of sound, the levels aren’t always balanced. Especially in the pacier songs, many of the lyrics get drowned (also a sea pun) out, so we miss some o’ the funnies which is…unfortunate. Still, a good excuse to listen to the soundtrack!
Find your sea legs and book to experience this sensational show. To describe it using one word that I’m not sure even exists…TENTACULAR!
Unfortunate runs at Grand Opera House York until Saturday 15th June, tickets available from £13 here.
The show sets sail for Bromley next, and you can check all tour dates at https://unfortunatemusical.com/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
Review Wizard 