Interview: 'We Want You to Celebrate Yourself': Shawna Hamic of on Villains, Touring and Performing in UNFORTUNATE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF URSULA THE SEA WITCH

One of Disney’s most iconic villains, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, is finally getting to tell her full story. Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch, A Musical Parody, arrives at Southwark Playhouse Elephant this December. Written by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx with music by Tim Gilvin, Unfortunate gives Ursula the chance to speak in a “tell-all tale of sex, sorcery and suckers.”

BroadwayWorld sat down with Shawna Hamic, who is taking on the role of Ursula in Unfortunate. We discussed what made her want to be a part of the show, what she hopes audiences take away from Unfortunate and who is her favourite Disney villain! 

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What made you want to be a part of Unfortunate?

Ursula has always been my favourite villain. To play her in a musical is literally on my dream list of roles, and so when I was asked if I'd consider auditioning for the show, I jumped at the opportunity. They sent the audition sides and some links to the music - it was so funny and sexy and such a good time it made me hope to be a part of the production.

What is it like taking on the iconic role of Ursula from The Little Mermaid in a new perspective?

I think our version makes Ursula have more humanity. (Octomanity?!?) She's more than some power-hungry 'bad guy'. She has a past that shaped her into who she has become and we explore that while never losing her glorious and iconic personality. It's a bit daunting to be taking on a role/character that most everyone is familiar with. And trying to honour the wonder who was Pat Carroll, while still making her my own is a difficult task, but one I am looking forward to. 

Do you have another favourite Disney villain? 

Ursula- duh... No, truly it's Ursula and has been since I was younger, but if I have to choose someone else- I'd have to say Maleficent. Because who doesn't love a woman with bold fashion choices who also can change into a green fire-breathing dragon?  

What is it like performing on stage versus on screen? Do you have a preference?

The lovely thing about performing on stage is you get instantaneous response from your audiences. You have the opportunity to make adjustments to your performance in real time which can affect their experience. In TV and film, your performance is mostly determined by the editor. So you show up and you give the director/producers what they want and you hope for the best when it comes out however long later. There is something magical about both ways of acting though. They have their pros and cons. I love them both for individual reasons. 

Do you have any cities you’re looking forward to visiting on tour? 

I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Scotland so I'm looking forward to both Glasgow and Aberdeen. But I'm truly excited to visit all of our cities on this tour as I've only ever really been to London. What a wonderful way to explore the culture and communities in all these varied and lovely cities!

What do you hope audiences take away from Unfortunate? 

I hope to make some people laugh of course. I want whoever comes to see our show to have a fantastic time. I also want to empower people to truly take pride and power in who they are. Maybe you don't look the way 'society' thinks you should look, maybe you feel like you are on the outside. We want you to celebrate yourself and know that you are amazing the way you are. 

How would you describe Unfortunate in one word? 

Fan-flippin-tastic!

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 8 December 2023 to 17 February 2024.

Photo Credit: Danny Kaan

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