Review: Scrunch, Unicorn Theatre

Sometimes I bloody love my job. Today I find myself at the Unicorn Theatre at the end of a long, tough year where I’ve seen many, many shows, some excellent, some just dire; I’ve endured innumerable hours in the company of TfL, and many rubbish sandwiches on the hoof. But Scrunch makes it all worthwhile, bringing utter joy.

This is a gloriously heartwarming, playful production for babies and toddlers. The amazing team of Sarah Argent and Kevin Lewis first created it over a decade ago, but this year it returns refreshed and rethought, tingling with magic. The single role is currently shared between two performers – Lewis himself and today Haruka Kuroda – bringing both new and redeveloped aspects to the performance that make it shine like a Christmas star.

Scrunch is designed for a very specific age range of 6-18 months. It’s logical really, meaning non-mobile children won’t get knocked over by whirling dervishes who’ve recently discovered how to run. The production demonstrates similarly careful consideration in every detail – from the pre-show introduction describing what to expect, to making it ‘relaxed’ so people can come and go as they need.

From the moment we enter the auditorium we’re clearly in a special space. Everyone goes quiet. Jennifer Taillefer‘s elegant stage design speaks of Christmastime without shouting: no predictable primary rainbows for the kids here. There’s a softness to the combination of wood and homely fabrics that’s settling and sensory. And settle we do, with the babies and caregivers seated on comfy mats close to the stage.

The hush is underscored as Kuroda introduces her own smiling baby, who is gently laid down to sleep. It’s a ritual we all recognise and respond to. But then the doorbell rings – repeatedly! – and we’re gifted with a series of surprises as letters and parcels arrive.

Kuroda is wonderfully playful, balancing an envelope on her head only for it to drop off, much to the amusement of the little ones. An infectious giggle soon fills the room and it’s alight with attention from the tiny spectators. Speaking only a few words throughout, she delights in their sounds, while celebrating the sensory properties she encounters as each mini-adventure unfolds – enjoying the wrapping more than the gifts! She relishes the crackling scrunchiness of wrapping paper, and imagines an extensive snowscape from packing, which is perfect for a polar bear friend to slide down. Haruka is warmly conscientious, acknowledging each and every child; negotiating them gently as they push forward to embrace the space. They spontaneously chuckle out loud and applaud her whimsical performance.

Rich lighting design by Sherry Coenen helps tell the tale beautifully, softly darkening to spotlight Kuroda’s dramatic moment lost in song, or enveloping the audience in a gorgeous starlit vortex that reimagines the room. It’s subtle, but elevates what could be simple storytelling to an evocative theatrical experience.

Come the end, the children and caregivers are invited to stay and play, extending their enjoyment of sharing a fun experience with peers, and for a moment owning that theatre space: it speaks of possibility and inclusion and is the perfect Christmas gift for each baby. Having sat transfixed throughout the show they are suddenly melting snowmen, crawling across the mats, bopping to the festive music, crinkling paper and exploring fabrics, together with family and friends. It’s hugely uplifting and really quite thrilling.

It turns out I am ‘compersive’ – I like seeing other people enjoying themselves (thanks to Franco Milazzo for that fabulous bit of vocabulary!) and I am utterly indulged in this today. The babies’ joy illuminates the room here, as they are jubilantly gift-wrapped in the spirit of Christmas.

Co-Creator & Director: Sarah Argent
Co-Creator: Kevin Lewis
Designer: Jennifer Taillefer
Lighting Designer: Sherry Coenen
Relighter: Ariane Nixon
A Unicorn Theatre production in association with Sarah Argent

Scrunch is aimed at strictly ages 6-18 months and runs at Unicorn Theatre until Sunday 4 January.