EDINBURGH 2019: I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS Q&A

BWW catches up with Danyah Miller to chat about bringing Michael Morpurgo's I Believe in Unicorns to the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about 'I Believe in Unicorns'

Michael Morpurgo's book 'I Believe in Unicorns' explores the power of stories to transform lives. Eight year old Tomas hates school, hates books and hates stories. After being forced to visit the library by his mother, he listen to magical tales that the 'Unicorn Lady' spins. These tales draw him in and change the course of his life for ever... The book is set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe. It's an uplifting story about unity and inspiration in the face of destruction.

Why adapt it for stage?

When I first read the book (given to me by a friend as a thank-you for setting up a storytelling club for our children) I was immediately entranced by it and identified with the Unicorn Lady - a librarian sharing stories with children. I myself trained as as storyteller and worked expensively in schools and libraries for a number of years. Prior to this I had studied drama and dance at Bretton Hall College and subsequently at Lecoq in Paris so it seemed natural for me to want to transform this beautiful story into a theatrical storytelling show.

After a 'rehearsed reading' of the show I was delighted that Anthony Alderson (Pleasance Director) was interested in it being part of Pleasance Courtyard 2013 fringe season. This gave me a concrete goal to aim for and I searched to find the perfect director (Dani Parr) and designer (Kate Bunce) with whom I could collaborate to turn this dream into a reality. Watford Palace Theatre and Royal & Derngate Northampton also supported me in this quest.

The show began as a two-hander (in Edinburgh), later Dani and I adapted it into a solo show. It has now been seen by over 75,000 people including two seasons at Vaudeville Theatre London, a season at The Orange Tree Richmond Surrey, a tour to Hong Kong & Singapore and as part of the Imagine Children's Festival on Southbank. The show has won an Argus Angel Award for Artistic Excellence at Brighton Festival and an Audience Choice Award for Get Creative Family Arts Festival.

I'm delighted to be bringing it back to Pleasance, again with some changes and amendments, where its life first began.

What makes it special for adults as well?

I love the fact that Michael Morpurgo's books do not condescend to the children, they are stories that appeal across the generations because they're rich and layered and full of real characters. Michael's stories always have some element of truth within them from which he builds, using his incredible imagination. He knows that in life there is sadness, pain and anguish as well as joy and he isn't afraid to write that.

When we began to create the story we knew that, because of the elements of war and destruction, it was a show for children aged 6 plus, but we hadn't realised that many adults who accompanied those children would be as lost in the story as they were and that many more would come without any children at all. I believe that the mark of a good story, well-told, is that it isn't limited to a specific age group but speaks across the ages and captures the imagination of us all. You're never too old for a great story!

How important is the setting of the story?

When we were creating the show we had many discussions about where and when the story was set. We agreed quite quickly that the central theme of the story was books so, at the beginning of rehearsals, Kate (designer) brought in a large quantity of books for us to use in play. In some of the books she had hidden everyday objects and out of this discovery we began to create the story. It seemed so magical to us to find these hidden treasures and we wanted the audience to feel the same when they saw them too. The decision to set the whole story in the newly built library emerge out of this decision and this play.

Who would you recommend comes to see I Believe in Unicorns?

I reckon that it's most suitable to families with children from the ages of 6 to 11years - and slightly older if they are avid book readers or love theatre.

It's suitable for people involved in their local libraries, adults and children who love reading, storytelling and history and groups such as storytelling circles; book clubs and U3A's.

But don't take my word for it, here's what one woman wrote in our feedback book last year:

"A fantastic show. Full of magical creativity. Danyah is amazing and her spontaneity lights up the stage. It is a rare thing to see children so transfixed and even rarer to see adults swept away like that. I have seen it 3 times and each time I feel refreshed and inspired by stories and books and dancing around flying kites, and having fun. Thank you so much'

When I read comments like that I know that we, as a creative team, have done our jobs and I feel very grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to share such an incredible story with you.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/i-believe-in-unicorns-by-michael-morpurgo

Photo credit: The Other Richard

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