Review: BEGINNERS, Unicorn Theatre

It's apparently the worst holiday ever. The rain pours down and four children sit inside moping as their parents are at the local pub getting drunk. They have a play ready to be staged, but no audience to see it? So what is there left to do?

Tim Crouch's production takes a look at what children get up to when their parents aren't around. But these aren't actually children; instead fully-grown adults play them. Aided by their dog Sandy, Lucy, Nigel, Bart and Joy search for excitement, quickly discovering that all they need to do is trust in their imagination.

Chloe Lamford's design is superb, achieving both a claustrophobic bedroom and an imaginative playground. Huge flowers, giant icicles and a floating baby/bee are just a few of the wonderful treats you're in store for. The set encourages the want to explore and its kaleidoscopic creativity wow's you at several points.

Crouch's work is a constant interrogation of form, theatricality and style. Whilst the production may be initially confusing, no doubt you'll have a revelatory 'epiphany' moment during it, where everything will suddenly click into place. Then you'll most certainly revel in its genius.

A piece for both adults and children, it entertains, intrigues and teaches a lot. This piece celebrates the sensation of play, whilst at the same time hones in on what it means to be curious. Even if we're just beginners in life, it's possible to imagine all of the wonderful things that we can go on to do in the future.

Crouch's production is a colourful statement on the power of imagination, which highlights the complexities of growing up and expands our own perceptions on what's actively possible if we just believe.

The Unicorn has an excellent track record of creating work that never underestimates a child's intelligence and this production definitely follows that trend.

Beginners at the Unicorn Theatre until 15 April

Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning

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