I Believe in Unicorns at the Vaudeville Theatre London Review
I Believe in Unicorns
Vaudeville Theatre, London
1-30 August 2015
Reviewed by Caroline Grant
With its ornate ceilings and traditional feel, the Vaudeville Theatre on London’s famous Strand is a charming and intimate setting for Michael Morporgo’s I Believe in Unicorns. Danyah Miller was completely fabulous, my children were entranced by her vibrant and engaging performance from start to finish.
I Believe in Unicorns is set in a library, jam-packed with books and stories. It is a story of Tomas and the power of books.
At first the stage was peppered by random stacks of books and a couple of wooden library ladders. It looked quite unremarkable. However, just minutes into Danyah’s mesmerising monologue the magic started. Children of various ages gasped, giggled and widened their eyes as the books opened and became pop up props, stepping stones and scenery. Ambient music, lighting and clever projections enhanced the story and carried the audience further into the tale.
Although the play was only fifty minutes long, a few of the youngest members of the audience were a little fidgety at times, but the majority were totally captivated and the pockets of audience participation help draw everyone further into the story.
The Unicorn took a while to make an appearance and you could tell the children were wondering when it would arrive. When it did the children seemed almost relieved and it, being the most magical of beasts, helped weave the whole story together.
Danyah’s oration was a word perfect triumph, the set was a cache of hidden riches, (as are books themselves) and Michael Morpurgo’s story was utterly enchanting.
Afterwards we were treated to a Q&A with Michael and he answered lots of the audience’s questions with honesty and the animated responses you would expect from such a gifted and imaginative story weaver. He also let the children into a secret; that those little white lies you tell your parents are acceptable, as they employ much the same as the skill and invention needed in the art of storytelling and provide good practice… the children have now decreed that their little fibs are completely licenced and that they will now be known in our house as Morpurgos! However, he is quickly and thoroughly forgiven, as his play was a total success with both myself and my children. It was a firm reminder, if any were needed, that books are precious treasures and stories are magical, gift giving, life affirming tomes.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost £17.50 (booking fees may apply).
I Believe in Unicorns is at the Vaudeville Theatre in London until 30 August 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 482 9675.
Vaudeville Theatre. 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH | 0844 482 9675
