WHAT’S IN GRACE’S SATCHEL?
You’ll never guess where I ended up this week — delivering to the Unicorn Theatre! And yes, before you ask, I did think there was an actual unicorn. I had my camera ready and everything. Turns out it’s even better — a whole season of magical new shows for children and families that sparkle brighter than a glittery horn under stage lights.
The Unicorn Theatre has just announced its dazzling 2025/26 season (March to June 2026), and it’s bursting with imagination, laughter, and a fair bit of heart. So saddle up your imaginary steed, because here’s what’s galloping your way…
First up, the wonderful Bradford playwright Asif Khan brings Zanib Mian’s much-loved Planet Omar to life in a brand-new stage adaptation. It’s co-produced with Leeds Playhouse and Birmingham Rep, and promises a joyous ride through friendship, family, and the power of imagination. (I once tried imagining a unicorn in my kitchen — it knocked over the kettle. Never again.)
Next on the magic post route is Tim Crouch’s Toto Kerblammo! (1–17 May) — a returning hit that uses binaural sound (that’s fancy talk for “wear headphones and feel like you’re inside the story”). It’s a moving tale about love, grief, and friendship — basically, everything that makes me cry quietly into my stage programme.
Then there’s Your Toys (22 March – 12 April), an interactive puppetry adventure from Slot Machine Theatre that literally brings kids’ favourite toys to life. Bring your teddy, your action figure, even your well-loved unicorn plush — they’ll all become stars of the show. Finally, a show where your favourite toys can take centre stage — mine’s already demanding its own dressing room
And for those who prefer their theatre from the comfort of home — the Unicorn is releasing a free digital film of Roald Dahl’s The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me on Unicorn Online. Performed by Hammed Animashaun and featuring soulful music from YolanDa Brown, it’s a sweetshop of pure imagination, available for families and schools nationwide.
Artistic Director Rachel Bagshaw sums it up perfectly: the season is all about creativity, representation, and togetherness — and goodness knows, that’s exactly what the world needs right now. The Unicorn continues to lead the pack (or herd?) when it comes to meaningful, accessible theatre for children, making sure no young dreamer is left out of the magic.
So whether you’re chasing rainbows, robots, or the world’s best giraffe story, the Unicorn Theatre’s 2025/26 season is proof that imagination is alive and trotting.
And who knows — maybe next time I deliver there, I will spot a unicorn. Probably in the green room, sipping peppermint tea and demanding only organic hay.
Delivered with sparkle and storytelling,
Grace Hatchell
2nd Act Couriers – delivering theatre magic, one glittery letter at a time.
Visit unicorntheatre.com for full listings, tickets, and digital shows — no stable required!
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