There is undoubtably (in my opinion) no more of an iconic villain in the Disney franchise than Ursula the sea witch. Growing up, I loved the fact that she was this big, brazen character who knew what she wanted and didn't care what others thought. To me she was a plus size icon, and I LOVED her for that. But we all know how the story ends, we all know how everyone failed to give Ursula that time to speak her side of the story, that is until now.
Fat Rascal Theatre have given Ursula her time to shine, they have given her an opportunity to tell us what really happened all those years ago, and in this brilliantly sparkly show, we find out the truth. And the truth is nothing short of bold, beautiful, and down right filthy! It's currently at Mast Mayflower Studios and I headed down with one of my blogging buddies to see this hilariously brilliant show.
It's worth prefacing the rest of this review by saying this is 10000% not a family friendly show. It is hilariously rude, with songs that had us crying with laughter, making it the perfect adult parody! It's also got a drag-tastic amount of sparkles and silliness, alongside brilliant puppetry too. In all honesty this show had everything and ticked all the boxes of my perfect night out.
The show introduces us to Ursula as a young octo-woman. Sent to the city of Atlantica to try and win the heart of the soon to be King Triton. Alas, she ends up banished from the city and is then called upon 20 years later for help. Except when someone has been banished, they are clearly going to hold a grudge, and the classic story of The Little Mermaid that we know and love begins (albeit slightly differently from what we remember from our childhoods!).
I honestly don't want to give too much of the story away, but it has an absolutely hilarious soundtrack full of new and original songs blended with parodies of songs from the original movie. Each song is witty, funny and slightly crude, but in a way that will have you with tears streaming down your face from laughing so much. The dialogue and story matches the energy of the songs and preaches a message of body positivity, finding true love, and sticking up for what you believe in.
Move over Elphaba, I think we have a new witch origin story in town as Robyn Grant was an absolutely perfect Ursula. She was cunning, cool, and had a voice that would leave the green witch cowering from this sea witches brilliance! Miracle Chance was perfect in her role as Ariel, with facial expressions that were just as hilarious as the role itself. Having last seen her in Be More Chill, it was so good to see her in something completely different and absolutely nail it.
George Whitty smashed it as King Triton. He had a fantastic voice that allowed us to have a slightly sombre moment in the show whilst he sung at the grave of a sea cucumber (yes really). Whilst Jamie Mawson played the ditzy Prince Eric whose self indulgence was amplified with everything being about him. Allie Dart and Jack Gray were brilliant as Sebastian, Scuttle, and Ursula's sidekicks. How they went from role to role with such speed and ease will forever have me in awe!
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch is a show that had me in fits of laughter. It was the perfect blend of parody and musical with a brilliant message of body positivity and self acceptance thrown in for the mix. It's a show that whilst in its infancy I can see going far beyond the realms of the deep sea and into the world where the people are. A must see for a brilliant grown up night out. I can't wait to see it again.
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