Tag: Unicorn Theatre

ANANSI THE SPIDER RE-SPUN – DIGITAL THEATRE

Published on 08th January 2021

An online theatre experience about the infamous trickster spider. Created and directed by Justin Audibert Inspired by the 2019 five-star hit show, Anansi the Spider, about the infamous mischief-maker and master spinner of yarns, Unicorn have adapted these classic West African and Caribbean tales for Unicorn Online. Made with their film partner, Illuminations, Unicorn have creatively responded to the current situation – the cast filmed themselves in their own homes so that they can bring them to yours! The free Anansi videos are accompanied by free creative learning resources for teachers to use with pupils aged 4 – 8 to explore the Anansi tales and their place in Black history and culture. As part of Unicorn Online, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Unicorn are offering a range of free online theatrical experiences that we hope will be enjoyed by children across London, the UK and beyond. Anansi the Spider Re-spun is free to watch on our YouTube channel until 31 March 2021. Find out more. 

PHILIP PULLMAN’S GRIMM TALES ONLINE

Published on 21st December 2020

New theatrical readings of deliciously gruesome tales. Based on the book by Philip Pullman. Directed by Justin Audibert, Rachel Bagshaw, Polly Findlay, Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, Ola Ince and Bijan Sheibani Enter a perilous world of murderous step-mothers, devious Kings and fearless children… Adapted by Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials), Unicorn are thrilled to present a deliciously gruesome selection of six theatrical readings from Grimm Tales, re-told for the whole family by an extraordinary cast. These classic fairy tales, distilled from centuries of storytelling, are timeworn but honed for the next generation to discover anew. Unicorn’s selection includes classic favourites with new discoveries, and takes us to the very heart of imagination and speaks of the things it finds there – fear, courage, compassion and wonder. 5 October – 21 February 2021. Find out more

8 ways to enjoy London Bridge from Home

Published on 16th November 2020

Uncategorised

Bring a little bit of London Bridge magic into your living room with these lockdown friendly activities.   1. Treat yourself to one of these ‘At Home’ Restaurant Kits  The recent shift in where we work and how we socialise may have left you missing your favourite London Bridge haunts, but have no fear. These SE1 restaurants and bars have been busy getting creative with ways to bring their culinary delights to your doorstep. Find out more 2. Watch Phillip Pullman’s Grimm Tales Online Filmed at the Unicorn Theatre, aimed at ages 8 – 12, these short, vivid new readings are available to watch online for free, until 21 February 2021. Watch now 3.  Liven up your Zoom background  Bring SE1 to your screen with our selection of backgrounds from the London Bridge area. Download now 4. Get Creative with Tower Bridge Explore these family friendly activities for you to do at home including tutorials on how to make an origami boat and a stop motion film. Find out more 5. Shake up one of your favourite tipples  Browse our back catalogue of cocktail books, including concoctions from the likes of Aqua Shard, The Coal Shed and Santo Remedio  Find out more 6. Discover fascinating insights into the creation and realisation of the Tooley Street Triangle In this recording of an online discussion between Charles Holland and the Director of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA), you’ll find out about the design and realisation of this unique London Bridge landmark Watch now 7. Pick up a pen with The Poetry Takeaway  Celebrate your own unique voice and creativity in these fun, free-flowing writing sessions with The Poetry Takeaway’s Laurie Bolger. Watch now 8. Stock up your cellar  With Trivet, Vivat Bacchus and Gaucho Tower Bridge now offering an excellent selection of curated wines online, it’s the perfect time to stock up. Browse Trivet Wine Shop / Gaucho Wine Shop / Vivat Bacchus Wine Shop Find more ways to enjoy London Bridge from home at teamlondonbridge.co.uk/lovelondonbridge

Unicorn Theatre: Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales Online

Published on 19th October 2020

Enter a perilous world of murderous step-mothers, devious Kings and fearless children… Adapted by Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials), the Unicorn Theatre presents a deliciously gruesome selection of six theatrical readings from Grimm Tales, re-told for the whole family by an extraordinary cast. Filmed at the Unicorn and aimed at ages 8 – 12, these short, vivid new readings are available to watch on our YouTube channel, for free, until 21 February 2021. Find out more

I, Cinna (The Poet) – Unicorn Theatre online experience

Published on 02nd July 2020

A new live digital experience from the Unicorn Theatre, for everyone aged 11 or over. Written and performed by Tim Crouch Directed by Naomi Wirthner The Unicorn Theatre are bringing theatre to life online for young audiences, presenting a restaging of their highly acclaimed show, I, Cinna (the poet) as a live, interactive online experience on Zoom. Exploring power, protest and art though the eyes of a minor character in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Tim Crouch’s solo show thrilled audiences of all ages when it played at the Unicorn in February this year. Performed live every time, the show uses Zoom to create an intimate, innovative new staging integrated with video design and moments of audience interaction. I, Cinna (the poet) invites you to write through the course of the show and celebrates the power of words. As part of Unicorn Online, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Unicorn Thearre are offering free tickets for a limited run. This show is currently sold out so we’re adding a few extra dates due to popular demand. Four new dates are going on general sale Thursday 2 July 2020 at 11am. We expect tickets will sell out quickly so recommend early booking. If you’d like to be notified of any further ticket returns or releases, sign up to our waiting list. ABOUT THE PLAY The poet Cinna hardly says a word in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar before he’s mistaken for someone else and torn to pieces by an angry mob. He’s Shakespeare’s unluckiest character. Now Cinna searches for the subject of his next poem and invites us, the audience, to write with him, live. This brilliantly clear introduction to Julius Caesar is an electric solo show about words and actions, art, protest and power. WHAT TO EXPECT The show uses Zoom Webinar functionality. To watch you will need to download Zoom to a computer, tablet or smart phone. We also suggest you use headphones or external speakers to enhance the sound quality and finally, you will need to have a pen and paper ready as you’ll be invited to write during the show. The capacity is limited for this show to enable the interactive experience. There are a couple of moments where everyone can be seen (but you can choose if your video is on). There will be moments of interaction where you may type or speak to everyone – but you choose if you would like to do this, and how much involvement overall you would like. Please note: there are moments where flashing images of violence and riot footage will briefly be projected on the screen, and some loud noises. Read the Online Guide here with more information about what to expect and how to prepare, including our child protection and safeguarding policy. TICKET BOOKING Tickets are limited to one booking per customer – please only book what you need. Places are allocated by screen (two or more people watching the same screen counts as one booking). We recommend watching on your own screen but you can choose to watch in pairs or small groups. Book now.

Anansi The Spide

Ansansi The Spider Respun with the Unicorn Theatre

Published on 04th June 2020

Anansi the Spider Respun is a unique digital experience for young children created by the Unicorn Theatre  Created and directed by Justin Audibert and streamed for free in partnership with The Guardian,  this fun online performance features music, song and humour and is suitable for ages 3-8. The first episode, Brother Anansi and Brother Snake, is out now. Watch it here on  YouTube. Given 5 Stars by A Younger Theatre and described ‘as an unbeatably fun and fresh experience’, this is one not to miss. “Inspired by our 2019 five-star hit show, Anansi the Spider, about the infamous mischief-maker and master spinner of yarns, we’ve adapted these classic West African and Caribbean tales for Unicorn Online. Made with our film partner, Illuminations, we’ve creatively responded to the current situation – the cast filmed themselves in their own homes so that we can bring them to yours!” Subscribe to the Unicorn Theatre’s YouTube channel to join the party! STREAMING DATES Each episode will be streamed on our YouTube channel and The Guardian’s website, with content available to play on demand for the following three weeks only. Episode 1: Anansi the Spider Re-spun: Brother Anansi and Brother Snake Streamed: Sat 30 May, 11am Available until Sat 20 Jun 8pm Episode 2: Anansi the Spider Re-spun: Anansi and the Two Dinners Streamed: Sat 6 Jun, 11am Available until Sat 27 Jun 8pm Episode 3: Anansi the Spider Re-spun: Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom  Streamed: Sat 13 Jun, 11am Available until Sat 4 Jul 8pm Find out more

THE WOLF, THE DUCK AND THE MOUSE

Published on 30th October 2019

Join the Unicorn Theatre this Christmas for the stage adaptation of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s brilliantly subversive picture book which finds joy and friendship in the darkest and most unusual of places. One day Mouse is gobbled up by a wolf. ‘Oh woe’ says Mouse, who fears this must be the end. But then we discover Duck, who was, until Mouse arrived, taking a nap. As it turns out, it’s pretty nice living inside the belly of the beast with a new friend. There’s delicious food, dancing and – better still – no more fear of being eaten! Meanwhile, outside in the forest, things aren’t quite as rosy for Wolf who is being stalked by a hunter. Realising their fates are intertwined, Duck and Mouse hatch a winning plan… Book tickets

15 Minutes Live

Published on 19th August 2019

A ONE-TIME ONLY EVENT FEATURING NEW SHORT RADIO PLAYS PERFORMED LIVE WITH AN ONSTAGE BAND By Slung Low The Unicorn has invited pioneering Leeds-based theatre mavericks Slung Low down to help open their new season. Slung Low have run these fun and informal 15 Minutes Live events for grown-ups for many years in a room above Britain’s oldest working men’s club and now, for the very first time, they are transporting their crew to London for this special family version in partnership with the Unicorn. Together they’ve commissioned some brilliant writers to create new 15-minute plays responding to the theme of ‘The Future’ which will be performed radio-play style with onstage sound effects, live music and occasional audience interaction. You’ll be guided through this riotous afternoon by lively comperes and there’ll be live music, bingo and some free treats in-between performances. Featuring plays by: Katherine Jakeways – major comedy writing talent for theatre & TV | Nima Taleghani – London-based writer, rapper & actor | Kenneth Emson – BAFTA-nominated writer for theatre & TV | Eve Nicol – up-and-coming young Scottish playwright | Olivia Poulet – acclaimed TV & theatre actor, with Laurence Dobiesz | Nina Segal – recently at the Royal Court & Bush Theatre. All the plays will be recorded that afternoon and be made available to download for free from the Unicorn Theatre website. Venue & Unicornershop open 12pm – 6pm | Event start time 2pm Please note: a photographer will be present and taking shots of the performance and audience throughout the event. The show has a limited capacity, so if you change your mind before the event, please let them know in advance by emailing boxoffice@unicorntheatre.com to ensure we don’t turn others away unnecessarily. Please note that this is a cash only event.

Anansi the Spider at Unicorn Theatre

Published on 19th July 2019

People say that in a time long, long ago, animals walked on two feet and spoke with words, like we do. And back then it was known by everyone that the cleverest of all the animals in the kingdom was a spider – the infamous Anansi – the original trickster and the master spinner of yarns. But sometimes Anansi could be a little too clever for his own good… In celebration of Black History Month, these classic West African and Caribbean tales about the spider hoaxster are brought vividly to life here in Artistic Director Justin Audibert’s newest production for the Unicorn Theatre.  Find out more

15 things to do with the kids this summer in London Bridge

Published on 17th July 2019

Uncategorised

Check out these family-friendly activities for you and the kids to enjoy in London Bridge over the summer holidays, including immersive theatre, free museums and outdoor fun.   1. Meet Gnomus, Caretaker of the Earth Come and meet Gnomus who will be checking every leaf and every flower in the London Bridge area to inspire a new generation of conservationists. This bumbling, gentle giant is kind and friendly engaging families in themes of extinction and conservation. Suitable for ages 6+ July 26th and 27th (FREE) Find out more   2. Climb aboard the HMS Belfast Explore HMS Belfast and see what life was like aboard this floating city as you weave your way through the bowels of the ship and climb up and down ladders across all 9 decks. Kids will love taking the helm in the Captain’s chair, playing interactive games based on real-life exercises and keeping a lookout up on the flag deck. Throughout summer Find out more   3. Explore the depths of the universe Through a free exhibition and events programme, the Science Gallery London’s DARK MATTER combines art, physics and philosophy. The season highlights the critical role of artists, philosophers and storytellers in our understanding of the world around us and invites audiences to question their understanding of physics and even reality itself. Recommended for ages 6+ 6 June – 26 August 2019 (FREE) Find out more   4. Become the next superstar fashion designer The Fashion and Textile Museum’s summer holiday short courses are the ideal opportunity to nurture talent for drawing, design and digital skills, alongside other young people who share the same passions. The Museum Young Designers Summer School offers students aged 12-18 the opportunity to learn and practise their design skills to create a portfolio of work. Various dates throughout summer Find out more   5. Get creative at the Unicorn Theatre The Unicorn’s ever-popular series of drama, dance and set design workshops are led by professional theatre-makers and themed around current shows.  Workshops range from a day or two days, through to a five-day ‘Play In A Week’ workshop. A great opportunity to have fun, learn new skills and make friends. Suitable for ages 7 – 16 Various dates throughout summer Find out more   6. Discover the history of London’s defining landmark Uncover stories behind the engineering, the people, the architecture and the city that built Tower Bridge. Experience the glass walkway, witness the magic of the bridge-lift and take part in imaginative family-orientated learning activities. Throughout summer Find out more 7. Catch a matinee at the Bridge Theatre The Bridge Theatre becomes the forest in this immersive production of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. The seating is wrapped around the action while ‘pit’ tickets allow the story to be followed on foot as the story develops around you. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the pit at all times. Until August 31st Find out more 8. Marvel at SEED; a sustainable circus Seed is Circumference’s latest renewable spectacle for the whole family, a positive vision for a greener future featuring aerialists, acrobats and live music. Enjoy some outdoor circus fun at Potters Fields Park, bring a plant, a small disposable object or an item of clothing to incorporate into a growing installation, and plant a seed to take home.  August 7th and 8th (FREE) Find out more 9. Enjoy a picnic in Potters Fields Park A stones-throw away from several family-friendly restaurants, Potters Fields Park stretches out alongside the Thames with unbeatable views of the iconic Tower Bridge. Head to One Tower Bridge to discover an eclectic mix of eateries including Temakinho, Vapiano and Gunpower, where takeaway options are available. Find out more 10. Experience the top of The Shard With panoramic views stretching up to 40 miles across London,  the top of The Shard offers the best views in the city. Don’t miss the Family Breakfast Fun Club on 24th August, with free face painting, balloon modelling and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Throughout summer Find out more 11. Celebrate Summer by the River London Bridge City’s annual summer festival returns, with a programme packed full of activities for all ages. Enjoy open-air cinema and theatre, big screen summer sports, live comedy and music performances, fun family workshops and more. Throughout summer Find out more 12. Get a taste of Latin American culture The biggest Latin American street food festival in London returns to London Bridge. Try flavours from across the continent, before shaking the calories off with some free dance classes, including salsa and Zumba. There’ll also be plenty of family-friendly activities, including face painting, storytelling and more. 10th – 11th August Find out more 13. Take a ride with MBNA Thames Clippers Board at London Bridge City Pier and explore the city by boat. 5-15 year olds go free with a family ‘River Roamer’ ticket, which allows you to hop on and off between 17 piers. Get the kids involved in their journey with MBNA’s free activity books. Throughout summer Find out more 14. Discover Europe’s Oldest Operating Theatre Housed in the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital, this atmospheric museum offers a unique insight into the history of medicine and surgery. Interactive talks and walks will provide inspiring and stimulating perspectives for young people. Recommended for ages 7+ Throughout summer Find out more 15. Uncover the dark secrets that lie beneath the world’s most haunted bridge Located within the vaults of the original 1831 bridge, The London Bridge Experience and Tombs is a spooky immersive experience, tracing the 2000 year history of the world’s most famous and haunted bridge. Children up to 15 years must be accompanied by an adult. Throughout summer Find out more