Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch – The Lowry, Salford

Many musicals have now been inspired by Wicked – creating a spin-off of a well-known tale and flipping it on its head. Unfortunate is similar, where it takes the story of The Little Mermaid and makes Ursula (the villain) the protagonist. She is now a feminist and self-confessed ‘tough bitch’ to give the character a backstory. The musical was first performed at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has now been revamped into a full-length production.

Before going into the review, I must state on press night the role of Ursula was played by Allie Dart due to cast illness. Dart was absolutely fantastic; you’d never know she was an understudy. She completely embodied Ursula and made her a wickedly likable character. And perhaps she wasn’t evil after all and just misunderstood?

Anyone expecting a typical Disney style show will be in for a shock. Unfortunate is rude, crude and absolutely fabulous. From the opening line of ‘Are you ready to get wet?’ – you know exactly what you’re in for.

The sound design on the night wasn’t the slickest I’ve ever come across, so whether it was an issue with the venue or sound team I am unsure. There were moments when microphones popped and sometimes weren’t switched on at all!

Ariel played by Miracle Chance still plays a huge part in the musical. However, in this version she is more a stereotypical Essex girl rather than an underwater princess. Ursula is on a mission to help her.

Robyn Grant, Daniel Foxx and Tim Gilvin have created a fantastic score. Songs such as ‘Nasty’ and the title track ‘Unfortunate’ are fun and really elevate the production. There are some nice nods to the original Disney movie had the audience in stitches.

There is also a serious message underneath the humour and sass. The song ‘We Didn’t Make it to Disney’ throws shade at Disney only writing in picture perfect characters. But there’s also a few lines in there about women having the right to choose what happens to her own body, which certainly hit a chord with some members of the audience.

With only six actors in the cast, this isn’t a big budget, no expense spared production. Instead, we get a hugely talented cast, many who play multiple characters – Jamie Mawson and Jack Gray were absolutely sublime, especially in their role of Flotsam and Jetsam.

Reviewer: Brian Madden

Reviewed: 7th September 2022

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★