Review: LAIKA, Unicorn Theatre

Despite all the little people in the audience, the seating was a tight squeeze as the Unicorn had sold out, and then some, for the press night of their new show Laika. Following the story of the first dog in space, Bryony Hannah and Avye Leventis have teamed up to co-create a piece that not only wows the children, but also keeps the adults chaperoning them entertained as well.

The opening immediately sets the tone for the evening. A dog (Josie Daxter) runs on, has a wee, climbs the set and says hello, whilst being chased by a blundering Unicorn usher. Said usher has a weapon that shoots tennis balls and smears themselves with sausage scent in an attempt to lure Laika to them.

What's clear is that this isn't any ordinary children's tale. An intense chase takes place between the pair, where the usher searches for the "bitch" in the Tube, parks and finally tracks her down after finding a poo left behind by the dog.

On the surface it's slapstick, but digging deeper it becomes much more. Strays are being rounded up and getting sent to a testing centre, and you quickly realise that the history of the first dog in space is actually a sinister one. Laika was not the bravest and the best; she was just a scavenger of the streets who had no choice.

Hannah and Leventis have done well to link 1957 Soviet Russia and modern-day space travel together. We are introduced to Sami, whose mum Val has given him a book containing Laika's story. Val is set to be the first person to step foot on Mars, and whilst this is exciting, for Sami it means the possibility of losing his mum.

Of course it's sad, but we've only had 40 minutes to get to know the characters, so we're not that invested. However, it doesn't take away the fact that the pair give outstanding performances.

Anna Martine Freeman provides some gorgeous moments as she navigates her way around an aerial hoop. Acting as our storyteller, Nima Teleghani plays the child well, and carefully navigates between excitement and trepidation.

Verity Quinn's design is a jungle gym of sorts. Whilst steel-like and industrial, it is also joyful as the actors use it as a playground. They exercise, float about and play with puppets. You really want to get up and join them. There's also a lovely climactic treat that features sparks and smoke.

The best thing about Laika is that it doesn't shy away from the horror of what happened. There isn't a happy ending per say, but it is one of optimism. It's realistic, which is surely a much more beneficial way to educate children - even if Hannah and Leventis do rely on the oldest trick in the book in terms of plot structure.

Laika may not have the 'wow' factor that we've come to expect from a Unicorn Theatre show, but regardless it's a heartwarming tale of adventure, friendship and hope. The kids loved it, but so did the adults, and there is a lot to be learned from watching theatre that appeals to all age ranges.

The play aims for the stars, and well and truly lifts off.

Laika at the Unicorn Theatre until 12 November

Photo Credit: Unicorn Theatre

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