A new production of musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch is now playing at Southwark Playhouse in London.

American actress Shawna Hamic makes her UK theatre debut as the ultimate Disney icon Ursula The Sea Witch alongside Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star River Medway as Ariel.

Shawna’s extensive theatre credits include1776 (Broadway and US National Tour), The Last Ship (Broadway and US National Tour), Les Misérables (US National Tour), Kinky Boots (US National Tour), Miss You Like Hell (The Public Theater, Off-Broadway) and My Paris (Terris Theater, Connecticut). On TV she has appeared in Netflix TV series Orange is the New Black, The Time Traveller’s Wife, Halston, Russian Doll, New Amsterdam, That Damn Michael Che, Bull and BRUISED.

We caught up with Shawna Hamic to talk about the show.

Shawna as Ursula in Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch, Southwark Playhouse. Photo: Pamela Raith

This is your UK theatre debut. Could you tell us more about how you got involved with the production?

I found out about the audition through my agents. Casting for the show asked to see if I’d be interested in auditioning and after hearing about the project I, of course, said yes. I jumped at the chance to play Ursula. She’s always been my favourite villain.

What can audiences expect from Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch?

They can expect to laugh and to have a wonderful time. It’s such a fun take on our version of Ursula’s story. It shows you why she became the octowoman she is.

Did you watch the Little Mermaid growning up? And how do you feel about portraying a Disney icon?

Of COURSE I watched The Little Mermaid. My family has been a Disney loving family for as long as I can remember. And Ursula specifically has been a personal favourite of mine. So to play her now in a story ABOUT her, well that’s achieving a dream in ways even bigger than I’d imagined.

What is the most challenging aspect of performing in a stage show compared to acting in a TV series?

The largest challenge is learning how to pace through shows. Each show is unique and you really can’t find out how much energy each moment of the show will take until you are into performances. And with theatre you have to replicate that performance night after night. Filming on a TV show or movies involves long days and nights but each day is unique. That brings its own challenges. I must say – I do enjoy all the challenges.

Shawna Hamic

West End Theatre Quick Fire Questions!

What was your first acting role?

Soloist for a Christmas show at the church where my grandfather was minister. 

How did you get into acting? Was it something you always wanted to do?

I will admit that I thought I’d be a florist when I was a child. But I’d always loved singing. Then I saw the national tour of Les Misérables when I was younger and that was that. I knew what I wanted and I went after it. 

Are there any shows in London you’re looking forward to seeing?

I can’t wait to see my friend Rachel Tucker in Sunset Boulevard. I hear the show is outstanding and I know she is outstanding in it on the days she plays Norma. 

If someone could only see one musical or play before they die, what should it be?

Oh that’s an impossible question. Everyone’s taste is their own. So I’ll say see as many as you can.

What’s your favourite musical?

I love Sweeney Todd. I dream of playing Mrs Lovett one day.

Which do you love best? The first day of rehearsals, the first night of the show or the last night?

Each moment is special… First day of rehearsals is brimming with possibilities. First performance is filled with nerves and excitement almost in equal measure. And the final performance… well that is the show you try to hold on to the tightest knowing you likely won’t ever have that experience again. I just know I love all of them. Perhaps that’s another not so sly way of sidestepping the question, but truly… I do love all of them. 

Video: Shawna Hamic (Ursula) and Thomas Lowe (Triton) perform Suckin’ On You from Unfortunate

Shawna Hamic (Ursula) and Thomas Lowe (Triton) perform Suckin’ On You

More about Unfortunate

Unfortunate is a musical parody based on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, told from the point of view of Ursula. The show is written by Robyn Grant, who also directs with Daniel Foxx, and music, arrangements and orchestrations are by Tim Gilvin. See Unfortunate production photos here.

Unfortunate is playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant to 17 February 2024. The show will then embark on a UK tour opening at The Lowry, Manchester on 22 February and concluding in Nottingham on 29 June 2024. See here for tour dates.

Book tickets to Unfortunate at Southwark Playhouse

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Main photo: Shawna Hamic, Photo provided by the production

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