Fresh from complete sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and around the UK comes critically acclaimed smash hit parody musical, Unfortunate. In this production, we join 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. Here we speak to Allie Dart, who plays Sebastian, to tell us more about this production.
Q) Unfortunate is the musical parody based on Ursula the Sea Witch. Can you tell us more about the story of Unfortunate and how it differs from The Little Mermaid?
Unfortunate starts with Ursula as a baby Octogirl in the city of Atlantica. We see her growing up and how she first meets Triton. The Little Mermaid focuses on Ariel, but our story puts Ursula at the forefront. We see what shaped her into the powerful ‘villain’ we know her as today.
Q) You played at Southwark Playhouse Elephant before heading out on a UK tour, how have audiences responded to Unfortunate so far?
The audience response has been fantastic. I’ve been blown away. It’s such a party atmosphere and people really get behind Ursula as soon as they see her. Whooping and clapping is highly encouraged.
Q) Is there a particular venue or city that you are looking forward to visiting as part of the UK tour?
I always love going to Salford and performing at The Lowry. It’s a gorgeous venue and has been so supportive to us as a company over the years as we’ve grown. I can’t wait to go to Wales and Scotland as well! I feel very lucky to be able to explore so much of the UK and bring some joyful madness as we go.
Q) Who is your character, and could you tell us a little bit about them?
I play Sebastian, Jetsam and Colette. Three very different characters from the three different worlds of the show. Sebastian is from Atlantica and has been a loyal servant to the royals for years. He is super high energy and usually can be found in a state of panic. Jetsam is from the Dark Waters. One of Ursula’s sidekicks, a gay German eel who lives for the drama. Colette is from the surface. She’s a feisty French chef who loves the sea and all its treasures. They are all so different and such a joy to play.
Q) Are there any parts of your character that you see within yourself?
Well, I’ve definitely added more orange to my wardrobe since playing Sebastian the crab. My go to is a pair of orange dungarees.
Q) How have you found the process of Unfortunate, from the rehearsals to putting it in front of an audience?
Rehearsals were really fun and the addition of our amazing ensemble means that every number feels like a showstopper. Working with our choreographer, Melody Sinclair, is always a pleasure. Going from the rehearsal studio to our magnificent set was such a step up and helped bring the world of the show to life. We had five weeks of intense rehearsals but we had so many laughs along the way.
Q) After previous sell out runs, what makes this run unique and how is it going to be bigger and better?
There are new songs, new characters, and new surprises. If you’ve seen it before, you need to come again because the story dives even deeper. The costume and set, designed by Abby Clarke, has taken Unfortunate to new heights along with the addition of flying within the show. But that’s all I’m going to say about that, you’ll have to come and see for yourself!
Q) What messages are you hoping for audiences to take away with them?
I want people to feel uplifted, empowered and like they’ve had a great night out. We’re all unique and that’s what makes us beautiful.
Q) Please can you tell us why you think audiences should come and see this show?
It’s like no other musical playing right now, every song is a banger and you’ll laugh your head off. We’ve had so much fun making it and we know audiences will have so much fun watching. It’s pure joy.
Unfortunate is currently playing at The Lowry in Salford until 02nd March before continuing on its tour of UK theatres until July 2024, where the tour concludes in Wolverhampton. For more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
Photography by Pamela Raith and Danny Kaan