DISNEY VILLAIN. OCTO-WOMAN. PLUS-SIZE ICON. Fresh from complete sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and around the UK comes this critically acclaimed smash hit parody musical. Unfortunate dives into London this Christmas followed by a UK Tour – and things are gonna get wet!
Now with a fabulous new cast, starring Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black, 1776 on Broadway) as ‘Ursula’ and River Medway (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as ‘Ariel’.
Critically acclaimed musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch has released rehearsal photos ahead of the production going to Southwark Playhouse Elephant for 10 weeks this winter before touring the UK through to summer 2024.
Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black, 1776 on Broadway) will lead the cast of the critically- acclaimed musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch as Ursula, opposite Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star River Medway as Ariel. They are joined by Thomas Lowe (Triton), Allie Dart (Sebastian), Jamie Mawson (Eric), Julian Capolei (Grimsby) and Corrina Buchan, Jack Gray, Jamie McKillop and Milly Willows in the ensemble. Casting is by Sarah Leung CDG. Unfortunate will kick off at Southwark Playhouse Elephant for 10 weeks this winter before touring across the UK through to summer 2024.
Join everyone’s favourite Disney Diva, Ursula, as she gives her take on what really happened all those years ago under the sea. With an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark filthy humour, it’s time to take the plunge and dive into this year’s hottest night out. Cruella told her side, and Maleficent’s had her moment. Now the legendary queer queen is ready to spill, in this tell-all tale of sex, sorcery and suckers. With a new script and production, the latest version of this hit show is bigger, bolder and sexier than ever before.
The smash-hit show is written by Robyn Grant (who also directs) and Daniel Foxx, with music, arrangements and orchestrations by Tim Gilvin. The musical features set, costume and puppet design by Abby Clarke, choreography by Melody Sinclair, additional orchestrations by Nikki Davison and Joe Davison for Auburn Jam, musical supervision and direction by Arlene McNaught, lighting design by Adam King, sound design by Lucy Baker, Oscar Thompson and Will Thompson, flying and effects by John Maddox for Suspended Illusions, make-up design by Maya Lewis, intimacy and fight direction by Claire Llewellyn for RC-Annie, production management by Titch Gosling, assistant direction by Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, costume supervision by Sian Clare and puppets built by Aled Williams. The band is completed by Dejeanté Hinks on guitar and Becky Slater on drums.
YASS Magazine spoke with Shawna Hamic and this is all you need to know!
How do you feel leading the cast of the critically-acclaimed musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch as Ursula?
It is such a thrill to be joining this show as Ursula. She is a dream role of mine and what a joy to be playing her in a show which is about HER story.
How is it to play opposite Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star River Medway as Ariel?
I’m having an incredible time with River who is so funny and so talented. They make the perfect Ariel. I was a little sad when I realised he’ll be so much prettier than me. But seriously- he’s so amazing in the show.
What was the most challenging part of the role?
So far the most challenging aspects of the role (aside from moving to a different country and learning my way around London and the UK has been the amount of memorising involved. This is my first main leading character in a show. It’s a huge responsibility, but I’m believe I’m up to the task. Oh- and my rap. So many words!
How is the role you are playing similar to yourself?
Well I believe we all have a little bit of Ursula inside of us. That sexy, confident, powerful character. Sure she’s thought of as a villain, but who among us doesn’t have a dark side. She’s just better at expressing it.
What shall we expect to see?
I think you see a show full of fabulously talented people who are having the best time telling a great story. I think you’ll leave at the end of the show feeling great.
What is your favourite part of the performance?
I think my favourite part is getting to lean into my own sassy darker side. To be both the ‘villain’ and also the love interest is so thrilling.
What are your future plans?
At this point I’m just enjoying being here in the UK and being a part of this fun and fishy show. I hope everyone comes to see us!
YASS Magazine 