Theatre Review: Unfortunate

Retellings are all the rage, and what better character to take on than Ursula, the flashy villainess from the Little Mermaid. 

But this is no Disney retelling, as they let you know in the parody song from the creatures of the deep who “Didn’t make it to Disney they wouldn’t even let us through the door.” This is a musical about self-acceptance, dealing with other people’s judgement, allowing people to be exactly who they were meant to be, and…sex. It’s raunchy, inclusive fun at its musical best.

The simple staging, which serves as both the Prince’s boat as well as the underwater cities of Atlantica and Ursula’s lair, means your focus is always on the actors. At times, it feels a little too small for even the small cast, who fill it entirely with their presence and voices. 

Ursula, played by Shawna Hamic, is everything you want in a leading lady. She’s got style and embodies the villain perfectly. While the songs are raunchy and fun, she also does an excellent job of walking the line between vulnerability and power as the tale follows her relationship with Triton, king of Atlantica. Her voice gives you goosebumps and she is, in fact, the powerful female role model Triton is looking for when it comes to his airheaded daughter, Ariel. (“What is she, laundry detergent?”) 

Thomas Lowe makes you laugh from start to finish. As Triton, he’s a fabulous take on the inept but good-hearted king, and his hip thrusts are impressive throughout. His voice is clear and strong, allowing you to hear every word of his heartbreak and the choices he needs to make. 

River Medway, playing Ariel, and Allie Dart, who plays Sebastian, the chef, and one of the pet fish, are both utterly fabulous. River’s rendition of Ariel as a lovely air head is fantastic, whether he’s singing or without voice. Allie Dart, however, very nearly steals the entire show with her strong, clear singing, her facial expressions, and the way she makes you laugh as every one of the characters she plays expertly. 

Three things to note: first of all, this is NOT a family friendly show unless you want to have some very intense conversations with your kids that you’re probably not ready for. Second, the words to some of the songs, particularly the ensemble ones, aren’t always clear. That means you miss some of the fantastic humor. But third, you can watch the recordings of many of the songs on YouTube, which is fabulous anyway, but might serve you well before you go see it so you have a better sense of the lyrics. 

If you want a truly fantastic, fun night with lots of laughs, Ursula is most definitely where you want to be. 

Unfortunate is at Nottingham's Theatre Royal until Saturday 29 June 2024.