In an ambitious collision of Disney magic and irreverent humour, the upcoming musical parody ‘Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch’ promises to redefine the narrative you thought you knew. Led by the multi-talented Shawna Hamic as Ursula, the show, opening at the Southwark Playhouse (Elephant) on Dec 8th, takes audiences on a deep-sea dive into the untold tales of the iconic character. theQR had the privilege of putting a few questions to Hamic and musical theatre star Tom Lowe who plays Triton. So enjoy this exclusive interview as we explore the depths of ‘Unfortunate’ and the performers seeking to bring it to life.
What aspects of Ursula’s character and the show’s approach to her story drew you to the role, and how do you make Ursula your own in this unique production?
Shawna Hamic: I’ve always dreamed of playing Ursula since I first saw her in the animated movie. How incredible to be playing this iconic character now. I love that this is HER story and that we finally get to learn her backstory. While I am trying to honor the glorious Pat Carroll with some voice inflexions- this Ursula is me. I’m trying to bring all I love about her to this portrayal. Her sass and her fabulousness. She’s a joy to play.
Tom, what drew you to the role or the production of “Unfortunate,” and how do you relate to or prepare for your character?
Tom Lowe: I decided earlier this year that I wanted to resurrect my London theatre career from 20-odd years ago. I found myself an agent, got the audition, and was instantly drawn to the material and the role.
I relate to the teenage version of Triton in that I’ve led a somewhat privileged life, and I have also experienced teenage arrogance issues. Like Triton, I’m a hopeless romantic.
You might say that, like Triton, I also have daddy issues. I’ve experienced what it’s like to get angry and stand up to my dad, finding moments of bravery and defiance where I stood up for what I believe in while those around me disapproved.
Relating to the adult version of Triton, I’ve known what it’s like to be consumed by the feeling of being in love.
Triton imagines another life where he could have been an artist, a musician, a world traveller, or a writer. I’ve been fortunate to make all those same dreams a reality.
I’ve also been asked to prepare for the role by growing my beard!
“Unfortunate” promises to be a bold and unique take on a classic Disney character. What do you find most exciting about presenting Ursula in this way?
Tom Lowe: When I read the script, I laughed out loud on more pages than not, many times with Ursula’s lines. The writing is intelligent and funny, and the score is full of variety, from moving, rousing moments, to amazing, catchy rock ballads, contemporary dance hits, slick musical satire, and exciting drama.
Ursula is a beautifully well-rounded character who is commanding, villainous, manipulative, yet full of heart, and as such sympathetic. She’s raunchy, sassy, smart and hilarious, delivering many brilliant, modern-day, snappy one-liners.
Can you share any memorable or funny moments that have occurred during rehearsals or performances that stand out to you?
Tom Lowe: Today, Shawna (who plays Ursula) and I were practising a couple of the stage kisses. After we kiss, I go into a freeze frame while she talks about how kissing me made her ‘p***y open up’. I couldn’t stop giggling because no one has ever said that to me after I kissed them.
The show features an original pop soundtrack. How does the music enhance your performance, and what’s your favourite song from the production?
Tom Lowe: It’s a tough choice between “Sucking On You” and “To Be King”. In the first, I get to sing like an 80s rock star. In the second I get to sing like Jean Valjean from Les Mis, in more of the legitimate theatre style. It’s wonderful to get to showcase that variety.
How do you feel about being a part of a production that celebrates and explores LGBTQ+ narratives and characters?
Tom Lowe: I feel great about it. The culture and atmosphere of the rehearsal room has felt supportive, nurturing, loving. I’ve been an openly gay man for 27 years, and had a really hard time coming out as an eighteen-year-old in 1996. It’s a relief that being gay is less of a ‘thing’ today in the entertainment scene, and the world in general.
Shawna, your career has encompassed both theatre and television. How does your experience in both mediums inform your portrayal of Ursula, and what would you say are the key differences in preparing for a stage role versus a screen role?
Shawna Hamic: I love both mediums so much. I think my theater experience allows me to be able to read the audience quickly to find what they think is funny, and to tone the comedy up and down so that I can play to my best strengths every performance. I also think that working in television and film enables me to really appreciate the importance and the power of stillness. You don’t see a lot of stillness in musical theatre but I think it’s an essential tool and it is one I really enjoy wielding.
Both sides are amazing to be a part of. I mean really…What other job than in the arts do you know of where at the end of your workday you get applause for your days work? I’m just so honored that I get to work in both. And to use my experience in both to bring this version of Ursula is a joy. Truly. The preparation for tv is generally done on your own whereas in theater you rehearse all together for weeks. Scenes you memorize for TV rarely move from short term memory to long term as you’ll likely only ever shoot them for a single day- but in theater everything has to move into long term memory since you’ll be performing the entire arc of the story time and time again potentially for months. I also really have to connect my memorization of lines to staging in theater prep as there is choreography and singing to incorporate as well. It is a lot all at once, but I do enjoy it.
As the production tours across the UK, what are you most looking forward to about connecting with audiences in different cities and regions?
Tom Lowe: I’m really looking forward to performing in Manchester, where I’m from. It’s going to be the first time many of my friends and family have seen me perform live on stage since I played The Rum Tum Tugger in the West End production of Cats in 2001. I’ve been based in America since then.
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