The magic of Unicorn Theatre

“Being inventive director, you do have the fear in regards to the bogs and employees turnover, and funding, however seeing children going to a present and being excited earlier than they go in, after which popping out buzzing, that’s magic,” explains Justin Audibert, inventive director at Unicorn Theatre in SE1.
You’ll be able to really feel the magic of Unicorn Theatre when chatting with Justin, he says “it truly is one of the best viewers – positively in London – however I’d in all probability say one of the best viewers anyplace”. Creating exhibits for kids and younger folks is “responsive and stay”, he tells The Biscuit. “They’ve no real interest in being well mannered to you. In the event that they don’t like what you do, they’ll inform you, very vocally. And I believe it’s nice to develop from it and be taught to get higher since you learn them.”
Justin began his function as inventive director in early 2018 – quick ahead and the theatre skilled the laborious results of the pandemic, which a lot of arts felts. “What’s been good [post-Covid] is the starvation of fogeys and lecturers to convey their children to have shared experiences. It’s actually heartening that individuals are nonetheless wanting to try this in a significant approach,” he says.
Justin’s first expertise of theatre was becoming a member of a drama society at college, the place everybody took it severely however in addition they had the possibility to mess about, he clarify. He went on to review directing at Birkbeck, a course that was arrange because of an absence of socioeconomic variety in theatre administrators. The course included a yr placement, which Justin did at what’s now referred to as the Leeds Playhouse. From then, he by no means seemed again. He assisted individuals who had been “sort and beneficiant”, and who helped his profession progress.
Bringing the humanities to younger folks is one thing that Justin may be very clearly obsessed with, and the theatre works with native colleges and the group to just do that. “We’re fortunate, as a result of Southwark is an incredible place to be, however the socioeconomic variety ranges enormously.
“We have now companion colleges in Southwark, Lambeth, and Tower Hamlets who’ve turn out to be our artistic associates. They spend time being the consultants and being kids, and exploring the subjects and themes of the performs that we’re serious about doing. In order that’s actually key to the very essence of the work on our levels.”
What do artwork and tradition add to the lives of younger folks? “It means you’re a happier human being. You don’t need to make theatre, however you possibly can go and watch it and it makes you are feeling extra alive. It makes you are feeling extra linked to different folks, it makes you are feeling impressed. And that feeling bleeds into the remainder of your life. I believe that’s very important.”
Justin explains how one of many joys of the Unicorn is that, since you’re catering for therefore many various audiences, “it may’t be samey”. He says: “All of it must be completely different due to the age teams and the place kids are at of their improvement. We don’t at all times get it proper, however it’s nice attempting to determine that puzzle.”
The most recent puzzle going through the Unicorn Theatre is tips on how to sort out mendacity. Author Eve Leigh got here to Justin with an adaptation of Pinocchio, which is exhibiting on the Unicorn till Saturday 31 December 2022 – “it must be an actual Christmas spectacular, plus it’s set in snowy alpine Italy.”
In Pinocchio, Eve asks the query: What’s the corrosive energy of mendacity? And why will we train children to not lie? “And Eve isn’t simplistic about it. It’s a superb investigation into what mendacity is and what it does to us, and the way, finally, it corrodes us and makes us much less actual.”
Justin provides: “The play isn’t simply asking what it’s to be a great boy however explores Geppetto and what it’s wish to be an precise mother or father. I’m a mother or father to a four-year-old, and generally you’re not your finest self. Geppetto shouldn’t be at all times one of the best mother or father, he’s studying. You see two people who find themselves attempting to do the suitable factor, however not do the suitable factor. In direction of the top, they determine it out. The entire premise earlier than that’s them each attempting and that’s actually human. On the coronary heart of it, it’s about why telling the reality issues to society and about tips on how to be a great mother or father and a great baby, and since it’s Christmas, after all, love saves the day ultimately.”
Justin celebrates the workforce on the Unicorn for working to convey the humanities to younger folks: “They’re unbelievable, everyone seems to be led by wanting to present kids one of the best theatrical expertise potential. Working in a spot like this does make you bob into work with pleasure in your coronary heart as a result of everyone actually cares. They’re a hell of a employees.”

Pinocchio is exhibiting till 31 December 2022. Tickets: Below 18s £13-£21, Adults £19-£29.50.

Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Avenue, SE1 2HZ. www.unicorntheatre.com