I Believe In Unicorns at the Vaudeville Theatre, London Review
I Believe In Unicorns
Vaudeville Theatre, London
8-31 August 2014
Reviewed by Helen Dewdney
A friend and I, along with our 6 and 7 year olds, went to see “I Believe in Unicorns” at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End.
This intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. It is a tale of the power of books, and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. Tomas loves playing in the mountains where he lives and hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady (Danyah Miller) in his local library.
An hour long show, I wondered how one woman (Danyah Miller) would keep the audience of children interested. However, I need not have worried, her brilliant storytelling abilities ensured that adults and children alike were enthralled. The length was just right and the audience participation was pitched well. Not too much so that it became pantomime and more than enough to keep children captivated.
The set is innovatively designed, transforming books into other things. Piles of books all change into other things that make you wonder what will be next. Miller takes the audience through a variety of emotions as she takes you through the moving story. Storytelling as it is meant to be, creative and engaging.
The boys loved the show and now believe in unicorns as perhaps may you. Some of the beauty of the show is in its simplicity. In days when children are used to fast paced and flashing images and spectacular effects it is to the production team’s credit just how well the simplicity of the show captivates the audience through the magic of storytelling.
The show is recommended for children aged 5 years and up. I do wish sometimes though that theatres would say unsuitable for younger to discourage people from bringing the siblings who talk throughout the whole show (as I had behind me). The seats could all do with oiling too as so many of them squeaked throughout the show, given that children were moving and participating they moved a fair bit!
I feel £17.50 per ticket is steep for a one show though, particularly as production costs would be nothing like staging a West End musical! I think this was reflected in the number of empty seats. I have seen some discounted offers and would recommend you look out for and take them.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost £17.50 (ticket offer £10.50).
To book tickets visit www.vaudeville-theatre.co.uk/I-Believe-In-Unicorns.html.
Vaudeville Theatre. 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH
