The Unicorn Theatre celebrates its 10th year in the UK’s first purpose-built children’s theatre.
Celebrating its 1oth year, the UK’s first purpose built children’s theatre, the Unicorn theatre will be opening its doors to Londoners over the Bank Holiday August Weekend for two days of free events, workshops and shows, and the building’s architect will host tours of the venue as part of London’s Open House weekend in September.
Officially opened by the late Lord Attenborough together with children from Tower Bridge Primary School and a host of famous British actors on 1 December 2005, the Unicorn was realised following a major five year campaign by the theatre’s seventh Artistic Director Tony Graham.
In true Unicorn style, the celebration of the opening of the theatre will put young people at its heart: the Unicorn is searching for 10-year-olds who share the theatre’s birthday on 1 December to join them for a glitzy, children-only event and a special performance of Baddies: the Musical. Absolutely no grown-ups allowed.
Purni Morell, Artistic Director, said: “Children’s theatre has come a long way in the UK over the last decade. So I am hugely proud to have led the Unicorn over the past three years, to have had the chance to programme work I love, and so grateful to Tony Graham and his team who made this remarkable idea a reality. Over the past three years, our biggest successes have been where we’ve pushed form, where artists have challenged themselves to push boundaries, and where we’ve surprised adults and children alike with what theatre for young audiences can be. At its best, nothing should stop children’s theatre standing alongside the very best theatre that’s made anywhere.”
Jude Law, Ambassador, said: “I’m thrilled to have been a supporter of the Unicorn Theatre at its purpose built home in Tooley Street for ten years, watching the theatre grow – just as we watch our children, who so happily attend, grow! The Unicorn keeps going from strength to strength.”
Unicorn’s President, Juliet Stevenson added: “The Unicorn is a unique and vibrant theatre that continues to play an important part in thousands of young lives every year. I am extremely proud to have been associated with the Unicorn for the last 10 years, from the realisation of Caryl Jenner’s dream for the UK’s first purpose-built children’s theatre to the thriving London venue it is today.”
LISTINGS
UNICORN EVENTS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS ON TOOLEY STREET
OPEN HOUSE: UNICORN THEATRE
19 Sep, 10am – 4pm | FREE
Members of the public are invited for a guided tour of this purpose-built, multi-award-winning building. As part of our 10 year anniversary celebrations, the Unicorn’s architect Keith Williams will lead the 2pm and 3pm tours.
Tours will take place throughout the day at: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, places can be booked in advance. http://bit.ly/UnicornOpenHouse
FAMILY WEEKEND: AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Sat 29 – Sun 30 Aug, 10am – 5pm
For ages 3+ | FREE
Two days of free activities to celebrate the Unicorn’s 10th anniversary.
Get creative! Add to our temporary mural, try your hand at plate spinning in a circus class, put your name on the champion leader board in the games room, relax in the Unicornershop area with soft-play and crafts, or watch a free performance of Breaking the Ice, our new interactive show for ages 2 – 5 Activities will be announced on 10 August. Sign up to the e-list on the event webpage to find out more and to get a first chance to book a free place. http://bit.ly/10YearsTooley
EXHIBITION: SOUTH BANK STORIES
29 Aug – 27 Sep | FREE
London Bridge has changed radically over the last three decades. This free exhibition in the Unicorn’s foyer features ten local Southwark people reflecting on their working lives in the area and how life has changed with the evolution of the area over the last 30 years. The exhibition is accompanied by a limited edition book featuring local interviews and portraits by Mike Tsang. http://bit.ly/SBStories
SPECIAL EVENT: ARE YOU 10 ON 1 DEC 2015?
The Unicorn is looking for young people who will be 10 on the 1 December 2015 to celebrate your birthday and theirs.
Were you born on the 1 December 2005? You and your friends are invited to join the Unicorn as their guests for a special glitzy red carpet performance of Baddies: the Musical to celebrate your birthday. No grown-ups allowed.
To apply for tickets, send your name, contact details and proof of age to: 10th Birthday Party, Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ, or email iamten@unicorntheatre.com.
http://bit.ly/AreYouTen
