Unfortunate The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch at The Pavilion, Glasgow Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Deb Mackenzie

Unfortunate is a fairy tale for ‘Big Kids’, a show that is a mixture of cabaret and panto yet has an engaging storyline. Nothing can prepare you for this extremely funny, fast-moving musical, telling the story of Ursula the Sea Witch. I have often wondered what the back story is of the ‘baddies’ that are in Disney’s iconic stories. We have had a glimpse of some, as in Wicked and Cruella; but nothing is as funny, charming, and extremely raunchy as Unfortunate.

The story goes back to when Ursula was young; she is smart, sassy, and eager to learn. She is eventually taught with Prince Triton and through the years they have become close and fall in love. Triton is turning 18 and the King is throwing him a party to choose his new bride; he already knows it is Ursula he wants by his side for ever more. But the King has other ideas and vows his son cannot wed a.. minger. The King devises a plan to rip them apart for good and to banish Ursula to the dark waters.

Twenty years later Triton asks Ursula for help with Ariel, a beautiful air head who is craving a man with legs to wrap around her. Ursula agrees, but only with a written contract and she goes on to teach Ariel a lesson. At this point the show continues with two stories, the one above and the other below.

Ursula played by Shawna Hamic from Netflix hit ‘Orange is the New Black’ has the most extraordinary presence on stage. This is her first lead role, she owns her character and is stunning with her purple hair, leather outfit and tentacles that suck you into the story.

Triton played by Thomas Lowe appeared to be the weaker sex – go girl power! But as he matures through the storyline grows into a stronger person who finally gets his voice.

Ariel played by River Medway appeared on the 3rd season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK. River looked the part and stunned me because in the scenes where Ariel couldn’t talk, his facial expression became the words.

Eric played by Jamie Mawson had me laughing at his stupid, childish and vain character. But it was his dog that over-shadowed him as he had more sex appeal and gumption in that area.

I loved the use of puppets as the undesirable fish that lurk down deep in the dark waters; their song ‘We Didn’t Make it to Disney’ is iconic in truth as they just are not beautiful enough. The dancing, gyrating and naughtiness is sexy, and the audience whooped and hollered as did I.

Although the show is full of nasty four-letter words, more sexual innuendos than expected, it is extremely funny, with catchy music and songs. I do wonder if this will develop into the next big cult following like Wicked and Rocky Horror… I really do hope so.

Disclaimer: Contains strong language, partial nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and flashing lights. Recommended for 16 years and up.

Tickets:

https://trafalgartickets.com/pavilion-theatre-glasgow/en-GB/event/musical/unfortunate-untold-story-of-ursula-the-sea-witch-tickets

£17 – £38 (A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply to your order)

When: Wed 1 – Sat 4 May 2024 7.30pm, 2.30pm

Rated: 5/5