REVIEW - UNFORTUNATE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF URSULA THE SEA WITCH | THE LOWRY | 11/12/2025

UNFORTUNATE AT THE LOWRY: CAMP, CHAOS AND A CHRISTMAS MUST-SEE

Some shows settle into a fixed version of themselves — Unfortunate does the opposite. This is now the third time I’ve seen the show, and impressively, it’s also the third different incarnation of it. Each version has brought changes, refinements and fresh ideas, and this Christmas run of Unfortunate at The Lowry feels like the most assured and accomplished iteration so far.

First seen at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch has steadily grown into a much-loved cult hit, with runs across the UK and a major tour in 2024. Now returning to Salford for a festive engagement from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, the production arrives with a new set, updated costumes, revised running time and musical changes, proving the creative team are still actively shaping and sharpening the show.

Written by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx, with music by Tim Gilvin, Unfortunate reimagines The Little Mermaid by handing the microphone to its most infamous character. And once Ursula gets her say, the story we thought we knew starts to look very different indeed.

Told entirely from Ursula’s perspective, Unfortunate reframes the familiar fairytale into something far more provocative and pointed. This is not a softened villain origin story, but a sharp, adult parody that challenges the way women — particularly outspoken, unconventional ones — are labelled and judged.

The narrative traces Ursula’s history with Triton, her fall from grace and the events that ultimately intersect with Ariel’s journey, all while gleefully poking holes in traditional Disney logic. It’s filthy, fast-paced and knowingly excessive, but it never loses sight of its underlying themes: body confidence, self-worth and the importance of owning your voice.

This updated version feels leaner and more focused than earlier productions, while still giving space for emotional beats to land. The humour is unapologetically grown-up (this is very much a 16+ show), but beneath the outrageous jokes sits a surprisingly sincere core that gives the story real weight.

Visually, this production feels like a significant step up. The new set is colourful, playful and packed with clever details that reward repeat viewing, creating a vibrant world that supports both the chaos and the storytelling. It’s a design that feels purpose-built for this version of the show rather than simply functional.

The lighting is bold and theatrical, particularly in moments where the show leans fully into fantasy and heightened spectacle, while the costumes are gloriously expressive — full of sparkle, exaggeration and drag-inspired flair. Every character is instantly recognisable, and the overall aesthetic feels cohesive, confident and joyfully over the top.

Musically, Unfortunate remains one of the strongest parody scores currently doing the rounds. Tim Gilvin’s pop-driven soundtrack is packed with catchy hooks, big anthems and knowing musical theatre nods. The addition of the new first-act number ‘Another Day’ is a real success — it has a distinctly Disney-esque feel while still fitting comfortably within the show’s irreverent tone.

Some songs have been trimmed or repositioned, and the decision to rework ‘I’m That Witch’ within the Vanessa sequence works brilliantly, strengthening the scene and giving it far more impact than in previous versions. Overall, the musical changes make the show feel tighter, smoother and more confident in its pacing.

This production is anchored by a fantastic ensemble, all of whom throw themselves into the show’s heightened style with total commitment.

At the centre is Sam Buttery as Ursula, delivering a commanding, charismatic performance that fills the stage from the moment she appears. Her Ursula is powerful, witty and unapologetic, balancing outrageous comedy with moments of genuine vulnerability. It’s a performance that fully understands the character’s complexity and invites the audience to see her in a new light.

Miracle Chance brings sharp comic precision to Ariel, reimagined here as a satirical take on modern teenage obsession, while Blair Robertson’s King Triton blends authority with self-aware humour. James Spence brings boundless energy across multiple roles, embracing the show’s absurdity with infectious enthusiasm.

Allie Dart continues to impress with seamless multi-rolling and razor-sharp timing, slipping between characters with ease and clarity, while ensemble members Freya McMahon and Fionan O’Carroll provide relentless pace, strong physicality and a constant sense of momentum. The chemistry across the cast is evident throughout, and the shared sense of fun is impossible to miss.

By the time the final bows arrive, Unfortunate feels like a show that knows exactly what it is — and absolutely revels in it. This latest version confidently refines what already worked while introducing smart updates that genuinely enhance the experience.

It’s outrageous, unapologetically adult and gloriously over the top, but it’s also clever, self-aware and unexpectedly warm-hearted. There’s real joy in watching a production this comfortable in its own skin.

As the festive season approaches, many audiences will naturally gravitate towards a traditional pantomime or a cosy family musical. Personally, I’d choose Unfortunate at The Lowry every time. It offers something refreshingly different — bold, bonkers and bursting with personality.

Three versions in, this show still manages to surprise me — and that’s no small achievement. Wickedly funny, sharply written and joyously defiant, Unfortunate proves that sometimes the so-called villain really does deserve to tell her side of the story.

“If you like your festive theatre bold, filthy and fabulous, this is the one.”

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch will be showing at The Lowry until Sunday, 11th January 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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For more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the official website.

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Photo Credit - Mark Senior

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.