one4review | On 10, Aug 2019

This fantastic adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns was beautifully performed by Danyah Miller. This one-woman performance set on a simple stage surrounded by library books goes far deeper than the initial first impressions.

The story is of Tomas a young 8-year-old boy who prefers running around, playing in the countryside to boring school and reading, until one day his mum makes him go to the library with her. Here he meets the unicorn lady and becomes engrossed in the stories she tells and gradually encourages more and more of his friends to join him there and develops a love of books and reading. This delightful story is charmingly depicted and the books are not always what they seem, with many hidden treasures to enhance the storytelling and some excellent special effects.

There is some very enthusiastic audience participation when children are asked to shout out their suggestions, which helps keep them absorbed in the story. The show is aimed at children 5 and over and although some of the storyline may have gone over the heads of the younger members of the audience most of the children were enthralled throughout.

The entire performance was well directed by Dina Parr, set on a seemingly simple yet inventive stage designed by Kate Bunce. Well worth a visit with your little ones, who will leave definitely believing in Unicorns, I know I do.

Reviewed by Sharon

****

Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Two

10.30 (1hr)

Until 26^th (not 14^th or 19^th)