The Little Mermaid

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

She’s been giving main character energy since the premier of Disney’s The Little Mermaid back in 1989, so it’s only fitting that Ursula, finally gets her own moment in the spotlight. 

This outrageous musical parody with book and lyrics by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx and music by award-winning composer Tim Gilvin returns to The Lowry for festive season and is bigger, better and bolder than ever.

Taking on the role of Ursula is the insanely talented Sam Buttery who delights in deep diving into this delicious diva’s backstory. Buttery perfectly embodies this badass octowitch, flirty, filthy and frothing with talent, she draws your attention from the moment she splashes onto the Lowry stage. Blasting out the powerhouse vocals with ease while delivering every killer line with perfect precision, most importantly she is a whole lot of fun and will soon make you realise maybe we’ve been wrong about Ursula all along.

Her scenes with Blair Robertson as King Triton are outrageously funny, together they deliver this genius script with razor sharp precision. Buttery is effortlessly cool while Robertson hams it up to perfection, the result is laugh-out-loud scenes throughout.

Allie Dart returns in the role of Sebastin (as well as multiple other characters) and proves once again what a talent she is. She commits entirely to each and every role, never missing a beat in this fast-paced romp with some of her characters even appearing on stage at the exact same time! Her scenes with James Spence as Ursula’s slippery sidekicks Flotsam and Jetsam are particularly brilliant. Spence like Dart also takes on multiple roles, from the weirdly tactile King Neptune to the wildly camp Prince Eric he’s utterly superb ensuing this precessional debut is one to remember.

Miracle Chance returns as the desperate and dim Ariel, when has the audience in stitches from the off with her deliciously crude lines, each one more outrageous than the last. Her quest to find her own Prince Charming, played superbly by James Spence is a scream, adding another enormously entertaining element to this perfect parody. Special mention must also go to ensemble members Freya McMahon and Fionan O’Carroll who complete this talented cast.

While the adult jokes come thick and fast there’s also a gorgeous theme of individuality and acceptance which weaves its way through the story adding depth to an already impressive show. The shorter running time for this revamped production ensures the pace is fast and the show feels fresh. This gloriously queer, creatively camp, celebration of difference offers a hilarious alternative for theatre goers this Christmas, it’s gaudy, glittery and utterly gorgeous!

Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Usrula the Sea Witch is on at The Lowry until Sunday 11th January, tickets are available here.

 

 

Unfortunate – The Untold Story Of Ursula The Sea Witch

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Malifcent and Cruella have both had their moments in the spotlight, so now feels like the perfect time to spill the tea on Disney’s most iconic villain, the queer queen herself, Ursula.

This is a deep dive like no other and a musical parody you won’t forget in a hurry as Ursula’s mysterious past is explored in the most hilarious way. It’s camp, colourful and completely outrageous.

Shawna Hamic takes on the titular role and succeeds entirely. She’s sassy, self assured and super fun with a hint of vulnerable where necessary. She blasts out powerhouse vocals with ease and quickly makes you realise perhaps you were wrong about Ursula all along.

Her scenes with Thomas Lowe as Triton are superb. They bounce off each other brilliantly ensuring this sharp script gets the quality delivery it deserves. They’re deliciously OTT, Hamic delivering Ursula’s cool, effortlessly while Lowe camps it up as Triton, all hair flicks and wanting sighs, hamming it up to perfection.

Allie Dart as Sebastian and multiple other characters is incredible, she delivers and then some. Such a brilliant actor, she doesn’t miss a beat in this fast paced parody. Her scenes with Jack Gray are a joy, their interpretations of Ursula’s faithful eels Flotsam and Jetsam are hilarious, a real highlight of the show as they weave effortlessly through Melody Sinclair’s brilliant choreography.

River Medway as the flame haired Ariel is hilarious. Ditsy, dim and desperate for a fumble ensuring the audience understand completely why Ursula sent her down the path she chose. Of course where there’s a whiff of Disney there’s always a Prince Charming, step forward Jamie Mawson as Eric. Mawson hams it up perfectly as the brattish, flute playing royal. Every line and every lyric exaggerated to level ten, he is a scream.

The cast are supported by a talented ensemble who bring further sass to this brilliant piece, they hold nothing back and make you feel like you’re part of this inclusive party.

There are bops and bangers, all delivered by a top notch cast. At two and a half hours this is a fairly long parody which might pack a little more punch with a slightly shorter running time but this really is a minor quibble.

Unfortunate is bold, brilliant theatre. Outrageous, unapologetic and a whole heap of fun.

Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch is on at The Lowry until Saturday 2nd March tickets available here.

Disney on Ice | Dream Big

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Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Kate Goerner

Created in the late 1980s and seen in over 65 countries around the world, Disney on Ice as a brand is now a firmly established part of the Disney family. And the current tour – billed Dream Big – is indeed a  bit of a dream for fans young and old.

Produced by live family entertainment specialists Feld Entertainment, Dream Big is a lavish all-twirling, all-jumping show that packs in more than enough Disney princes and princesses, songs (and special effects) to keep audiences in a Disney dreamworld.

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For those who are unfamiliar with a Disney on Ice production. Minnie and Mickey act as hosts and introduce segments devoted to various iconic movies – this time round including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Cinderella (complete with coach) and recordings of the soundtracks are played that the skaters perform and mime too.

With a stunning set backdrop and literally dazzling costumes and perfect wigs – we really do see our favourite heroes brought to life in front of our eyes. (It was particularly lovely to see them all regularly waving at audience members throughout the show). The skating was stunning – and for some of the performers (Maui and Sebastian the Crab – I’m looking at you) some in what must be quite tricky costumes.

A real highlight was the (new for this tour) Moana section – the solo skating routine performed by ‘Moana’ to How Far I’ll Go was a perfect example of music, performance and skating combining perfectly. I had goosebumps and a large lump in my throat – just stunning! It was as it had always been on ice!

Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast was a big company number, and a real crowd pleaser, as was Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid.

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Another favourite was the extra-long segment donated to Frozen, that was basically a mini version of the movie. Yes we’ve all heard Let it Go a million times, but it was pretty special seeing a version on ice! With twirling! Yet more goosebumps.

My 3 year old was admittedly a little scared of Ursula the sea witch from The Little Mermaid and the fire-breathing dragon from Sleeping Beauty (we took the opportunity to beat the loo queues and later on get an ice cream when it got a bit too scary for him), but he loved the Genie from Aladdin, Mickey and Minnie, Belle and (of course) seeing Elsa. He genuinely did not want to leave when the house lights went up.

Cynics begone – if there’s a more magical and uplifting way to spend an autumn evening, well…..I’ll get my skates on!

Preview | Disney on Ice

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There’s no disputing the magic of Disney for little (and hey, who are we kidding, and big!) kids, and the regular visits by Disney on Ice bring a real element of enchantment to Manchester.

The popular arena shows give fans the chance to see some of their favourite Disney characters performing live on ice – bringing to life much-loved tales and songs from classic animated movies from over the years.

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This time round the show is billed Dream Big – and seems likely to make plenty of dreams come true for Disney fans, not least because the show brings the first appearance on skates by Moana, the most recent inspirational heroine from the House of Mouse.

Theatre fans will no doubt be aware that the Oscar-nominated Moana had songs co-written by Hamilton’s Lin Manuel Miranda, who is now clearly firmly part of the Disney family thanks to this, and his forthcoming role in Mary Poppins Returns.

Expect lots of excitement from Moana fans at seeing Disney’s latest heroine in Manchester – with Demi God Maui (brilliantly voiced by Dwayne Johnson in the movie) also promised to make an appearance.

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Also in the show – which features spectacular figure-skating, beautiful costumes and stunning sets – will be sections dedicated to classic tales including Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and more.

As well as – of course! – a suitably icy section dedicated to all things Frozen!

Opening Night also hears tales of a fire breathing dragon…….we can’t wait!

Disney on Ice presents Dream Big at the Manchester Arena from Wednesday 10th October until Sunday 14th October.

For more information visit www.disneyonice.co.uk