On Wednesday 12th February, for the first time during Rachel Bagshaw’s tenure as Artistic Director, the Unicorn Theatre welcomed Royal Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, to celebrate its Creative Hub, highlighting how the theatre collaborates with young people to develop Unicorn productions and to offer them their first experience as theatre makers.
Joined by staff and participants, Her Majesty received a tour of the theatre and an inside look at Creative Hub projects, engaging with several key aspects of the theatre’s work with young people. The Queen’s first stop was a Creative Schools workshop, a collaboration between children from Years 2 and 3 at Snowfields Primary with Unicorn Artistic Director Rachel Bagshaw and award-winning children’s author (and Unicorn Trustee) Piers Torday. The focus of the workshop was sustainability and climate action, with the children creating an original poem to honour and remember the lost animals of the British Isles to feature in a future production. This workshop was part of the Unicorn’s Creative Schools Partnerships, in which young people collaborate with Unicorn artists to shape the theatre’s artistic programme while their teachers explore creative approaches to curriculum teaching and develop a school strategy for drama.
Following the workshop, Her Majesty observed Creative Associates involved in the Unicorn’s current production of Pig Heart Boyat an in conversationevent with acclaimed author Malorie Blackman OBE, discussing the importance of creativity in childhood. Creative Associates are children aged 8-13 years old who work closely with the Unicorn’s Creative Team on a specific production, helping to shape and influence the work to ensure it remains relevant and engaging for young audiences.
The visit concluded with Her Majesty meeting staff, guests and participants from the Creative Families programme during a tea and cake reception. Creative Families is an initiative that involves families with children aged 0-5 in collaborative artistic projects, aimed at creating work for early-years audiences. During the reception, Her Majesty had the opportunity to witness these families engaging in play activities, an important part of the programme that encourages creativity among the youngest audiences and their families.
Rachel Bagshaw, Artistic Director of the Unicorn, comments, “We believe wholeheartedly that a child who engages with creativity has greater potential to thrive. Every year, we have the extraordinary privilege to provide thousands of children with their first theatre experiences – encouraging them to question and explore the world through stories, sparking their imaginations and ideas. It is fundamental to us that the work we produce is informed by young people, as they show us the world they want to create.
It was a privilege to welcome our Patron, Her Majesty the Queen, to the Unicorn yesterday. Her Majesty’s ongoing support is testament to the vital work we do with young people and schools, and to the essential role the Unicorn plays in shaping future generations.”
As the national theatre for young audiences, the Unicorn is committed to creating work that reflects the widest possible diversity of lived experiences in society and ensuring that all children have access to innovative and thrilling theatre experiences. Featured in The Stage 100 for 2025 as one of the UK’s leading venues dedicated to creating inspiring work for children and families, the Unicorn is proud to bring its creative vision for the year ahead, presenting a dynamic lineup of exciting world premieres alongside beloved favourites.
Having kicked off the year to five star reviews, the world premiere of Pig Heart Boy(running until 22nd February, then on a UK tour until June 2025) marks the beginning of an exciting season at the Unicorn. Adapted by Winsome Pinnock from Malorie Blackman’s novel, the production dives into the tough subject of organ donation. Directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, it follows 13-year-old Cameron’s life-changing choice of accepting a pig’s heart instead of his failing human one. The show, aimed at young audiences aged 9-13, was developed with input from young Creative Associates with experience of long term health care. The Unicorn’s Creative Hub has also worked with poets and children in hospitals across the UK to produce original poems, exploring the themes in the play of Joy, Hope and Imagination. Audio-recorded by the young people involved, the poems will be shared nationally – through tour venues, school resources and directly with children in hospitals. The poems are also available to listen online here.
The season continues with a range of performances for different age groups, including Home Song(running until 9th March, before embarking on a UK tour), a multi-sensory show for babies (6-18 months), which explores the immigrant experience through puppetry and a cappella singing. Beegu(22nd March – 4th May), based on Alexis Deacon’s book, brings themes of friendship and inclusion to life for children aged 3-7. Little Night(29th March – 19th April) offers toddlers (18 months-4 years) an interactive fairytale journey, while The Koala Who Could(20th May – 1st June) empowers children to embrace change. Finally, Ready Steady Go!(21st May – 22nd June) invites children aged 3-8 to explore road safety through a fun, craft-based theatre experience. These productions promise a mix of creative, interactive and inspiring performances for young audiences.
As the leading children’s theatre in the UK, the Unicorn welcomes 60,000 families and school groups annually and extends its reach through its tours and free digital theatre programme, Unicorn Online. Committed to transforming young lives through theatre, the Unicorn creates innovative productions that inspire children to question and explore the world. The theatre collaborates creatively with children in schools and communities, making its work as accessible as possible whilst prioritising sustainability.
Featured Image: Courtesy of Ikin Yum