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PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ PROGRAMME 2014-15

HOW TO BOOKTo book tickets call the Box Office on 020 7645 0560 or fill out a booking form on the schools’ section of the website.

See below for our standard school rates or take advantage of one of our multi-buy offers or package deals.

BASIC TICKET PRICE£10 per pupil (1 teacher FREE per 10 tickets booked)

+ A PLACE ON OUR TEACHER CPD DAY & RESOURCE PACK* FREE

+ AN IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOP* £120 per class

+ A BACKSTAGE TOUR £1 per pupil (£3 per pupil if booking as a stand-alone event) *for selected shows

SPECIAL OFFERSEARLY BIRD OFFER£7.50 per ticket if you book for 2 different shows together before the end of July.

MULTI-SHOW OFFER£8.50 per ticket if you book for 2 different shows from August onwards.

SEE IT FIRSTCome and see a show at the Unicorn and find out more about us before bringing a class. We offer a limited number of free tickets to teachers on our press performances.

SUBSIDISED TICKETSIf you feel unable to book a trip for financial reasons, please get in touch about our subsidised ticket scheme, generously funded by The McGrath Trust.

To discuss any aspect of our schools’ programme, our offers, or to join our schools’ mailing list, please contact Schools’ Relationship Manager, Ella Macfadyen on 020 7645 0544 or schools@unicorntheatre.com.

HOW TO FIND USUnicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ

London Bridge (5 – 10 minutes’ walk)

Coach parking is available at Tooley St. The coach bays provide a safe, riverside meeting place for groups close to HMS Belfast. There is also coach parking available at Southwark St and Tower Hill.

020 7645 0560 UNICORNTHEATRE.COM Registered charity No. 225751

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SEESAW Nursery – Reception

THE SECRET LIFE OF SUITCASES Years 1 – 3

HOW NIGERIA BECAME Years 4 – 6

THE FOURTH WISE MAN Reception – Year 2

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING

Years 3 – 6

THE POLAR BEARS GO WILD

Nursery – Year 1

STORM ASD / PMLD

BRITAIN’S BEST RECRUITING SERGEANT Years 3 – 6

THE CHAIR Years 3 – 6

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT Years 1 – 4

ONE LITTLE WORD Nursery – Year 1

WELCOMEAs the UK’s leading theatre for young audiences we always try to push the boundaries of what theatre can be, making shows that inspire, excite and challenge pupils and teachers alike. Apart from its inherent value, a visit to the theatre can stimulate a whole term of rich and creative classroom work. Our in-depth teacher CPD sessions, resource packs and workshops will ensure that your experience with us has a long-lasting impact on your pupils: empowering them to find a meaningful connection with the play, give artistic expression to their understanding, develop critical thinking skills and, ultimately, make sense of the world around them. This brochure gives you details of the broad range of productions we offer for pupils in Early Years and Key Stages 1 and 2 over the 2014-15 academic year. Whether you want to give your pupils a powerful first experience of live theatre, connect your visit to curriculum work or are looking to organise an end of term treat, we can support you in making it possible. Our wide range of discounts means a visit to the theatre can fit into any school’s budget. We look forward to seeing you and your pupils at the Unicorn soon. Purni MorellArtistic Director, Unicorn Theatre

‘I absolutely love what the Unicorn does for the children at our school – it is engaging, motivating and inspiring in equal measure!’ John Camp, Executive Headteacher, The Compass Partnership of schools

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2014 – 2015 SHOWS

ENHANCE YOUR VISIT

ACCESSAt the Unicorn, we strive to offer shows that are accessible to everyone.

RELAXED PERFORMANCESRelaxed performances are open to everyone but focus on supporting those on the autism spectrum, with learning disabilities, sensory or communication disorders. We offer supporting material for each show.

The Secret Life of Suitcases Wed 8 Oct, 11am

The Nutcracker and The Mouse King Fri 12 Dec, 10.30am

The Fourth Wise Man Tue 16 Dec, 11.15am

Britain’s Best Recruiting Sergeant Fri 13 Mar, 11am

The ChairThu 26 Mar, 10.30am

The Velveteen Rabbit Wed 15 Apr, 1.30pm

INTEGRATED SIGN-LANGUAGE IN PERFORMANCE (ISIP) ISIP performances are suitable for BSL users.

The Nutcracker and The Mouse King Tue 16 and Wed 17 Dec, 10.30am

The Velveteen RabbitTue 21 Apr, 10.30am

PRE-SHOW TOUCH TOUR AND LIVE AUDIO-DESCRIPTIONAudio Description supports those with visual impairments.

The Nutcracker and The Mouse King Thu 11 Dec, 2pm(touch tour at 1pm)

Britain’s Best Recruiting Sergeant Wed 11 Mar, 1.30pm (touch tour at 12.30pm)

DEAF-FRIENDLYMuch of our early years work is highly visual with little or no language used. We recommend you try:

SeesawThe Polar Bears Go WildOne Little Word

Look out for Storm, a show made specifically for ASD/PMLD pupils.

To discuss other ways we can support your group’s visit, please contact Head of Access and Communities, Jenny Maddox on 020 7645 0521 or access@unicorntheatre.com

TEACHER CPD Our teacher training sessions offer inspiration and support for exploring our productions and using them as a stimulus across the curriculum. Find out about the making of the show, and work through practical and easy-to-use drama activities that open up the play for you and your pupils. See show pages for dates.

IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS A practical and experiential introduction to the ideas, themes and characters in the show, led by our experienced practitioner team in your school. Pre-show workshops available for:How Nigeria BecameBritain’s Best Recruiting Sergeant

RESOURCE PACKS Created with pupils and staff at our partner school, our in-depth resource packs can be used in the classroom to deepen your pupils’ engagement with the theatre experience. They include interviews with the creative team, a context for the play and pre/post-show activities.

You can download resources from: unicorntheatre.com/primary-schools

BACKSTAGE TOURS Explore what’s happening backstage and find out what really goes into making a play.

POST-SHOW INSIGHTS Find out more about the show and the creative team in a post-show Q&A with members of the company. Insights are free and available after selected performances.See show pages for more information.

AUTUMN TERM6 Sep – 2 Nov | Nursery – Reception

SEESAWA SEESAW ONLY WORKS WITH TWO.By Stewart MeltonDirected by Sarah Argent

Being little can be hard work. There are holes to dig, sandcastles to make and adventures to be had. Much easier with a friend to help. But what if making friends is hard work too? 

Seesaw explores the push and pull of friendship,  and the ups and downs of being young.

Followed by free play time in our sandpit.

18 Sep – 12 Oct | Years 1 – 3

THE SECRET LIFE OF SUITCASESLARRY’S GOT NO TIME FOR FUN, BUT THAT’S ALL ABOUT TO CHANGE...By Lewis Hetherington and Ailie Cohen

Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. He likes sorting and tidying and generally putting things in order. But one day, a suitcase appears at his door and it has a mission...

Join Larry as his world gets turned upside down by a fantastical flying suitcase in an enchanting collaboration with renowned Scottish puppeteer, Ailie Cohen.

Resource pack availableTeacher CPD: Tue 9 Sep 10am – 4pm

9 Oct – 9 Nov | Years 4 – 8

HOW NIGERIA BECAMEA STORY, AND A SPEAR THAT DIDN’T WORK. Written and directed by Gbolahan Obisesan

2014 is the 100th anniversary of the formation of Nigeria. This story of the Spear of Shango is about a young woman who must use her strength and agility to save her father’s kingdom. A challenging, colourful and quick-witted production that offers an insight into Nigeria’s beginnings in 1914.

Written and directed by British Nigerian playwright Gbolahan Obisesan, How Nigeria Became commemorates the centenary of Nigeria as part of Black History Month at the Unicorn.

Resource pack and in-school workshops availableTeacher CPD: Fri 12 Sep 10am – 4pmInsight: Fri 17 Oct after 10.30am show, Wed 22 Oct after 1.30pm show & Fri 7 Nov after 10.30am show

30 Nov – 4 Jan | Reception – Year 2

THE FOURTH WISE MANA TALE OF ONE MAN AND HIS CAMEL… Directed by Lee Lyford

Everyone’s heard of the Three Wise Men, but there is a little known story of Artaban, the fourth…

One day he spots a beautiful star and he knows it will lead him to something special. A special baby in fact.

Join Artaban as he prepares for a momentous journey. What should he wear? What gift should he bring? Where on earth will he find the right camel?

Insight: Thu 11 Dec after 1.30pm show

21 Nov – 4 Jan | Years 3 – 7

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KINGUNCOVER THE ORIGINAL STORY BEHIND THE BALLET.By Annie SiddonsDirected by Ellen McDougall

This Christmas the Unicorn goes back to the roots of E.T.A. Hoffman’s magical story to create this wondrous and festive production of an old and favourite title.

It’s Christmas Eve, 1805. Seven year-old Marie retrieves the sad and broken Nutcracker from under the Christmas tree and promises to look after him. But on the stroke of midnight he comes alive, and when he enlists Marie’s help in his battle with the evil Mouse King, they journey together through strange and fantastical stories until finally they arrive in a secret land made of nothing but candy.

Full of magic, mice, living toys and adventure, this will be an alternative Christmas show to remember.

Insight: Wed 10 Dec after 10.30am show

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9 – 25 Jan | Reception – Year 1

THE POLAR BEARS GO WILDGET YOUR SKATES ON!Created and performed by Eilidh MacAskill and Fiona Manson

Calling all brave explorers! Join two friendly (and slightly naughty) polar bears on the adventure of a lifetime full of music, laughter and quite a bit of cheekiness. Where are they going? What will they get up to next? And have they got enough sandwiches? Because polar bears love sandwiches, everyone knows that!

Resource pack availableTeacher CPD: Mon 1 Dec 10am – 4pm

3 Feb – 13 Mar | ASD/PMLD

STORMBE NOT AFEARD; THE ISLE IS FULL OF NOISES,SOUNDS, AND SWEET AIRS, THAT GIVE DELIGHT AND HURT NOT. A Unicorn work-in-progress

Children with autism spectrum disorder or profound and multiple learning disabilities are invited to take part in the development process of a new theatrical project inspired by William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The audience will be guided individually through the world of the performance, experiencing a unique journey of exploration.

To register your interest and provide us with your group/individual needs, contact the team on 020 7645 0560 or boxoffice@unicorntheatre.com.

13 Feb – 15 Mar | Years 3 – 6

BRITAIN’S BEST RECRUITING SERGEANT WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A MAN?By Joy WilkinsonDirected by Lee Lyford

A true story of Vesta Tilley, the early 20th century music hall star whose much-loved act as a male impersonator made her world famous.

When World War One breaks out, she helps to recruit soldiers to fight for king and country, but has she used her stardom for good? And is winning the War the most important thing?

The Unicorn commemorates the centenary of World War One in this feisty, song-filled and touching look at the life of Vesta Tilley – Britain’s best recruiting sergeant.

Resource pack & in-school workshops availableTeacher CPD: Fri 7 Nov 10am – 4pmInsight: Thu 12 Mar after 1.30pm show

20 Mar – 12 Apr | Years 3 – 6

THE CHAIRTAKE A SEAT, IF YOU DARE. Written and directed by Lewis Gibson

Welcome to Tiger Bay, the most deadly and dangerous docks on these shores. A place full of strangers with tales of ghosts, of fortunes found and lost, myths, rumours and rum. And what better place to hear these tales than Cardiff’s cheapest barber’s? He can give you a shave or just a trim; he could even fix your grin…

With live music, songs and a cut throat razor, actor Gary Lagden returns to the Unicorn with the team that brought you The Pardoner’s Tale and A Thousand Slimy Things.

HHHH Guardian on The Pardoner’s Tale

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SUMMER TERM28 Mar – 26 Apr | Years 1 – 4

THE VELVETEEN RABBITREAL ISN’T HOW YOU ARE MADE... IT’S A THING THAT HAPPENS TO YOU.By Margery WilliamsDirected by Purni Morell

Join us for the return of hit show The Velveteen Rabbit, a heart-warming tale about a very shy toy Rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real. A charming, magical and adventure-filled adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story – perfect for teachers exploring the topics of friendship and toys past and present.

‘An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching piece of contemporary theatre.’HHHH Guardian

Resource pack availableTeacher CPD: Mon 2 Mar 10am – 4pmInsight: Fri 17 Apr after 10.30am show

6 – 21 Jun | Nursery – Year 2

ONE LITTLE WORDSOMETIMES THAT’S ALL YOU NEED.Directed by Andy Manley

This moving story of friendship, power struggles and creative play beautifully captures children’s imaginations with original music and just ONE spoken word.

Two characters play together, explore a new space, dress up, take turns and struggle over who will be the captain of the ship.

‘Beautifully and confidently made.’ Guardian

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ts Our theatre was built with young people in mind, and it is important to us that we offer a space in which they are welcome and important. We want your pupils to interact freely with the building when you arrive and to have permission to respond throughout the performance, which means we don’t mind at all if they are quite vocal or energetic. We actively encourage our audiences to laugh, respond, clap and cheer during our shows – we want to create a space that is different from school, where the normal rules are bent just that little bit. So please don’t feel your class has to watch the show in silence – in fact we encourage the opposite, and want them to feel this is their space where they get to make some of the rules. There are only three things we ask in the auditorium, of both teachers and pupils: • no photos • no phones • no food We do allow bottled water and ice creams during the show, and you can pre-order ice creams when you book to benefit from a discount. You can find answers to frequently asked questions, a risk assessment and ice cream order form on our website, but if you have any questions or specific requirements we are always happy to discuss them with you.

WHY CHOOSE THE UNICORN?

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