Last night we went along to the press night of Unfortunate at The Grand Opera House. What a night! To start with, if you haven’t heard of it, it’s a ‘critically acclaimed smash hit parody musical’. It’s the story of Ursula, the Sea Witch from The Little Mermaid, told from her perspective (think Elphaba in Wicked).
BUT! Don’t be fooled, this is not one for the kids, it is strictly adults only (or at least over 16s!). It’s colourful, crass and oh so funny! The blurb mentions the ‘filthy humour’ and they were not wrong, but at the same time it’s feel-good and life affirming, and you feel in safe hands.
The cast are wonderful, several of whom play different parts, so fabulously that I didn’t at first realise they were the same actors. I particularly loved Ariel herself (played by River Medway from RuPaul’s Drag Race) with her trademark vivid red hair and not so trademark Essex accent. And watch out for Vanessa’s slut drops (amazing!).
The sets were great, and I loved the songs, but it was the cast that really made it for me. The audience loved it, you could hear the gasps at some of the more earthy expressions (I won’t spoil it for you). Everyone came out of the theatre happy.
Absolutely ideal for Pride month, I could see Unfortunate becoming a cult classic.
The official blurb:
“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.”
