Cast announced for London return of Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

Emmie Newitt 8 January, 2026, 10:15

The critically acclaimed musical parody, which made its stage premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019, will return to London after its last run at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant in 2023 for a strictly limited season at The Other Palace.

unfortunate the untold story ursula the sea witch the other palace cast Sam Buttery, Jacob Whawell and Allie Dart. Headshots provided by production.

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch heads to the city after its Christmas season at the Lowry. It will mark the musical's fourth incarnation, having already obtained two previous sold-out runs. In London, the production will feature a brand-new set and costumes, new jokes, and new characters.

Returning to the show are Sam Buttery (The Addams Family Concert, London Palladium) as Ursula, Allie Dart (2:22 A Ghost Story, Apollo Theatre) as Sebastian & others, Blair Robertson (Mamma Mia!, UK & International Tour) as King Triton & others, James Spence (Unfortunate, UK Tour) as Eric & Others and Freya McMahon (Hairspray, UK Tour) as Ensemble.

Joining the cast are Julie Yammanee (Young Frankenstein, Hope Mill Theatre and Liverpool Playhouse) as Ariel, plus ensemble members Jacob Whawell (Cilla the Musical, UK tour) and Kelly Sweeney (Heathers, West End & UK tour).

An irreverent, adult-humoured musical parody - Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch reimagines Ursula’s life, showing her as a misunderstood icon rather than a villain. It shares the "real" story behind The Little Mermaid from her perspective. Gather your friends for this one hell of a beach party.

Unfortunate the Musical has book and lyrics by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx, with music by award-winning composer Tim Gilvin, direction by Robyn Grant, set and costume design by Jasmine Swan, choreography by Melody Sinclair-Marsh, puppetry and movement direction by Laura Cubitt, orchestration, music production, and music supervision by Nikki Davison & Joe Davison for Auburn Jam, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, lighting design by Adam King, puppet design by Mikayla Teodoro & Jasmine Swan, puppet makes by Mikayla Teodoro, casting direction by Will Burton CDG, production management by James Anderton and associate direction by Eliza Beth Stevens. The creative associate is Allie Dart, theatrical magic consultant is Chris Cox, intimacy director is Maisie Carter, costume supervisor is Beth Qualter Buncall and props are by Props by Eve.