UNFORTUNATE - The Lowry, Salford (14/12/25)

Camp, kitsch, and utter filth, this Disney parody will have you floundering

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There is always a fine balance to be hit when parodying any previously well established and loved commercial property, but especially when it's one of Disney's most beloved films from their late 80s/early 90s renaissance. In this comedic tribute to "The Little Mermaid" we see the villainous Ursula the octopus take centre stage, as we see the story retold from her perspective, but with a queer cabaret style twist. The source material may be a film that's delighted generations of kids all over the world, but there is absolutely nothing child friendly about this bizarre musical spoof.

How much enjoyment you gain from a show like this, as with any comedic theatre, I suppose very much depends on your own individual humour palate, as it will be abundantly clear, even before going in, that the style adopted is a far cry from what one would expect from the likes of Noël Coward or Molière. That isn't to say the show is completely devoid of charm or wit though, in fact far from it, as there is arguably far more than what we see on the surface of the generous helping of smut and vulgarity. The biggest strength wielded by "Unfortunate" is how it pokes fun at not only itself, but the institutions that led to its creation, more specifically the Walt Disney Company, which regularly features as the butt of the joke.

Sam Buttery in "Unfortunate" (credit: Mark Senior)

These subtle (and also not so subtle) digs at Ursula's media conglomerate overlords make for some of the most entertaining moments, with the highlight of these being the irresistibly silly satirical number "We didn't make it to Disney". This song features a host of deep sea fish considered too "ugly" for a family film, all finally getting their chance to tell their stories, and manifest the proverbial middle finger in the direction of those whom initially, and so cruelly, excluded them from the franchise.

The show has no shortage of vivid visual appeal, for which one must applaud set designer Jasmine Swan, whom also designed the impressive range of puppets alongside Mikayla Teodoro. We have everything from mini Ariel dolls, to luminescent angler fish, however the two eel puppets used to bring Flotsam and Jetsam to life were my pick of the bunch, these were stacked full of character, and if anything their grotesque appearance added so much to their menacing, malicious nature.

Taking on the role of the titular sea witch we have the indomitable Sam Buttery, who simply explodes onto the scene, and into our collective consciousness, from the word go. Her bombastic personality and irrepressible stage presence immediately grab us, and she sustains this masterfully, displaying superb vocals to match, as well as natural comedic timing and flair, not to mention a pretty pitch perfect impersonation of Gemma Collins. Buttery is building quite the portfolio of fabulous performances, and it is immensely exciting to see her star shine.

(L-R) Freya McMahon, Fionan O'Carroll, Allie Dart, James Spence (credit: Mark Senior)

Further casting highlights from this gloriously bonkers show include Miracle Chance and her brilliantly bratty gen alpha energy as Ariel, and James Spence's hilariously air-headed take on Prince Eric; additionally Blair Robertson both weakens our knees and wears his heart on his sleeve as King Triton, with velvety baritone vocals to match. However this critic's pick of the day, without a doubt, was Allie Dart, who is not only a supremely gifted comic actress, but dazzles us with the sheer acting range with which she is blessed, from her Irish iteration of Sebastian the crab (for racially sensitive purposes), to her take on the French chef regaling us with her adoration of all things aquatic.

Part comedy pastiche, part adult panto, part satirical romp, this homage to one of Disney's most iconic antagonists will tickle you pink (or purple), and even the score (Tim Gilvin, Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx) takes direct inspiration from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's original songs from the 1989 film. Camp, distasteful, riotously raunchy, "Unfortunate" is completely aware of how unhinged it is, and leans into this with full commitment, for a thoroughly fun filled fiesta of foul-mounted frivolity. And if that just isn't enough F-words for you, I can guarantee you plenty more if you go and see the show!

★★★★☆ (4*)

"Unfortunate" runs at the Quays Theatre at The Lowry until the 11th of January (tickets)

{PR/Gifted tickets}