Review: I Wish, Unicorn Theatre

Review: I Wish, Unicorn Theatre

Summary

Rating

80

Excellent

A gorgeous, glittery, dazzling delight of a musical that reimagines what theatre for young audiences can be like.

Effie is a very particular kind of fairy – a wish giver. It’s her job to listen to what people really want and then grant their wishes. But sometimes what you wish for doesn’t turn out quite how you might have wanted. And then what do you do? I Wish at the Unicorn Theatre addresses how the world might be if we think about it from a different perspective.

This remarkable production, created by Le Gateau Chocolat, Rachel Bagshaw and Seiriol Davies, is like no other you will see on the stage for 4-8 year olds. Effie, played by the amazing Jordan Laviniere, greets us dressed in layer upon layer of flamboyant toile, glitter and sparkly make-up; effectively a drag queen. This all fits in absolutely perfectly with the style of the fairy story told, bringing drama, glamour, theatricality and representation to the stage in bucketloads. The costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight is absolutely terrific. It’s audacious, bold, colourful and creative, and at times even integrated into the set design! Even if you don’t enjoy the story I defy you not to find the costumes entertaining! 

Laviniere is an immensely talented individual, a fabulously fluid physical performer who dances beautifully and sings with a wonderful, versatile voice. He is supported by a humorous disembodied voiceover from Julian Clary that helps to propel the story along, and there is lovely use of language in the script, which at times goes a bit Roald Dahl, adding playful absurdity.

Much of the story is told through fabulous songs (Seiriol Davies) that bring a familiar sense of almost Disney style to the stage (which will surely win over most young children!), whilst there’s a definite touch of Everyone’s Talking About Jamie in at least one of the numbers. The tunes are catchy and energetic, the lyrics smart and snappy, and the whole selection gives texture and emotional depth to match the really fun visuals in the tale.

This is a production that genuinely creates a new space in the sector of Theatre for Young Audiences, and which has enormous potential, but it feels like it’s still evolving. The script is particularly funny for adults, but perhaps needs to hone in on its young audience a little more tightly. The solo storytelling in song is sometimes prolonged and static, risking losing the attention of four year olds, but Laviniere’s sensitive, engaging relationship with the young audience elsewhere helps keeps them involved. More support from the visuals and swifter transitions would fill spaces where there’s an empty stage between costume changes and help the pace. The projections are blurry at times and I’m sure no-one under the age of 40 even knows what a rolodex is… 

All that being said, there’s a huge amount of great content, positive representation and a beautifully sound message here, and it’s a really fun production. Get your glitter out and your singing boots on for the treat of the season!

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Created by Le Gateau Chocolat, Rachel Bagshaw and Seiriol Davies
Performed by Jordan Laviniere
Directed by Rachel Bagshaw
Music and Lyrics by Seiriol Davies
Designed by Ryan Dawson Laight
Movement Direction by Mark Smith
Lighting and Video Design by Sarah Readman
Arrangements and Musical Direction by David Merriman
Sound Design by Holly Khan

I Wish is aimed at ages 4-8 years and runs at the Unicorn Theatre until Sunday 21 April. 

Further information and booking can be found here.