Photo: Mark Senior
Unfortunate splashes back onto the stage with all the camp, chaos and deliciously wicked sparkle you could hope for. Directed by Robyn Grant and written by Grant and Daniel Foxx, this gloriously irreverent musical flips The Little Mermaid on its tail, giving Ursula the narrative power she has always deserved.
In this fabulously filthy retelling, Ursula isn’t the villain but the victim, cast out from her home and from the arms of her one true love, King Triton, after a web of murderous lies twists the kingdom against her. Years later, she finds herself drawn back into Atlantica’s drama when the hopelessly horny and hilariously naïve Ariel decides she wants legs, not for adventure, but for access to the human men and their “genital anatomy.” The result is a riotous, queer, glitter-soaked romp under the sea where no sacred Disney moment is safe.
Sam Buttery as Ursula is nothing short of sensational. From the moment they glide onto the stage, Buttery commands the room with phenomenal vocals, impeccable comic timing, and that regal villain-queen energy that makes it impossible to look away. They are the undeniable heart and wickedly beating soul of this production.
Blair Robertson’s King Triton is both dashing and unexpectedly tender, crafting a believable emotional history with Ursula. Miracle Chance as Ariel is an absolute revelation: dippy, lust-struck, and riotously funny. She injects every scene with a giddy energy that brings the house down. James Spencer’s Prince Eric leans into camp with charisma to spare, delivering a standout solo in “My Little Flute” that had the audience roaring.
Allie Dart’s Sebastian is another joy – nimble, expressive, and consistently delightful. The full ensemble shines, each performer transforming effortlessly between roles and delivering sharp character work throughout.
Tim Gilvin’s score is a triumph, packed with bangers and belly laughs. Highlights include the hilariously pointed “We Didn’t Make It to Disney,” the outrageously catchy “Where the Dicks Are,” and the powerhouse title number “Unfortunate.”
Jasmine Swan’s set and costume design drags us from vibrant undersea kingdoms to the shadowy glamour of Ursula’s lair with dazzling flair. The colours, textures, and clever visual gags are a feast. The lighting matches the show’s boldness – bright, cheeky, and dramatic in all the right places.
Laura Cubitt’s puppet and movement direction is superb; the puppets themselves are a genuine asset, brought to life with precision and personality. Choreographer Melody Sinclair delivers magnificent movement throughout – slick, inventive, and joyous.
This is not your childhood Little Mermaid, it’s queer, cheeky, filthy, and utterly fabulous. A riotous, adult-themed night of glittering naughtiness that had the crowd roaring with laughter and leaping to their feet for a much-deserved standing ovation. Running until Sunday 11th January 2026, it’s an absolute must-see for anyone craving bold, brilliant musical theatre. Tickets can be purchased from the Lowry’s box office or online.
Unfortunate is a tidal wave of wicked wit and glittering chaos, so dive in and revel in every gloriously naughty splash.
Playing until 11th January 2026, https://thelowry.com/
Reviewer: Katie Leicester
Reviewed: 11th December 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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