Be warned, this under the sea tale is not for little mermaids
There is a dazzling selection of family shows on offer over the festive period, catering for all ages and tastes.
While most people are flocking to the pantomimes and Christmas shows on stage across our region, one show at The Lowry is strictly for adults only. 'Unfortunate - The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch - The Musical Parody', is playing out in the smaller Quays Theatre to packed audiences every night.
The cheeky musical delves into the back story of Ursula, the cruel sea witch from Disney's The Little Mermaid, but be warned this is definitely no Disney story!
This camp, rude, tongue-in-cheek parody, is bold, brash and full of fun as we discover what made Ursula, played by Sam Buttery, the octopus she is.
She is unlucky in love, made all the worse by the shunning of the other sea creatures.
Buttery is magnificent as the larger than life Ursula and commands the stage with their presence. They steal every scene and is welcomed on stage with plenty of laugh-out-loud jokes, actions and innuendoes.
Fickle Arial is played by Miracle Chance - think Love Island meets The Only Way is Essex. She has one thing on her mind and will go to great lengths to leave the ocean to gain her sea legs.
One of the stand-out performances comes from Allie Dart, who plays Sebastian the crab. Her voice is outstanding and she definitely deserved her standing ovation on the night I was there.
In fact, the whole cast are a joy to watch as they play a multitude of different characters; there are plenty of quick costume changes and not once did they falter.
A mention must go to the songs, which are very catchy, the sets which are loud and colourful and the costumes themselves, which perfectly encapsulate life under the sea.
This is a very alternative show this winter and one which definitely brightens up the cold dark evenings!
It runs at The Lowry until Sunday, January 11. Recommended for ages 16+.
review by Charlotte Williams
pictures courtesy Mark Senior
