Bigger, better, ruder and shorter
When Disney released The Little Mermaid in 1989, they had no idea they were giving birth to an icon. Ursula the Sea Witch quickly took her place as the queen of Disney villains: a pop culture legend and a feminist badass. She’s loud. She’s clever. She’s sexy and unapologetically plus-sized. She’s not defined by slipper-sized feet, or enchanted blonde hair, or snow-white skin. Ursula is plump, purple and proud. A queer icon with a message for us ‘poor unfortunate souls’: love the skin you’re in, value your voice over your body, and don’t be afraid to be a little bit nasty.
Bigger, better, ruder and shorter, the 2026 transfer from a successful run at Southwark Playhouse, marks the musical’s fourth incarnation following two previous sold-out runs and a successful Christmas season. Now, the producers of the critically acclaimed musical parody have announced the full cast performing at London’s The Other Palace, whee it will feature a brand-new set and costumes, new jokes, new characters and will play to a new running time of 2 hours and 15 minutes including one interval.
Cruella told her side, and Maleficent’s had her moment… Now the legendary sea witch is ready to spill in this tell-all tale of sex, sorcery and suckers – a laugh-a-minute dive through Ursula’s backstory filled with a filthy pop soundtrack, much-loved characters as you’ve never seen them before and enough (eco-friendly) glitter to keep you sparkling all the way home. Gather up your merfriends; it’s going to be one hell of a beach party.
Unfortunate has book and lyrics by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx, with music by award-winning composer Tim Gilvin, direction by Robyn Grant.
The Other Palace from 6th February – 5th April.
Booking and full details: theotherpalace.co.uk
