Unicorn Theatre Primary Schools Programme | 2015 - 2016

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PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ PROGRAMME 2015-16

WELCOME

AUTUMN TERM

At the Unicorn, we are passionately committed to making sure all London’s children have access to the best of the arts, as part of a broad, creative and rich curriculum.

Inside this brochure you’ll find exciting new shows for children from Nursery right through to Year 6, and as ever, we’re proud to be working with some incredible theatre-makers to bring your pupils shows that entertain, challenge and speak to today’s young audiences.

While of course art’s principal value is the experience of art itself, a school visit to the theatre can stimulate meaningful learning experiences back in the classroom – enlivening curriculum topics and providing opportunities for speaking, listening, reflection and collaboration, as well as a motivation for writing. There is a wealth of research showing just how much theatre can help increase pupils’ access to empathy and self-expression, and allow them to develop the ability to think critically and independently from multiple perspectives – and we’re extremely proud to be able to play such an important part in your students’ development.

In this brochure you will find information for teachers – on our wrap-around activities, on price and on how you can help your pupils prepare for a visit to the theatre, and enjoy it with them. Our wide range of discounts means a visit to the theatre can fit into any school’s budget, and we are confident you will find our wide range of activities helpful in translating the pleasure of a theatre visit into effective classroom learning.

Do come and visit us this season (and collect your free coffee!)

Purni Morell Artistic Director, Unicorn Theatre

For School Years 3 – 8

PERFORMANCE DIARY

A Unicorn production

NOVEMBER Tue 3 1pm

FAIRYTALE VILLAINS AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE...

BADDIES: THE MUSICAL Book and Lyrics by Nancy Harris Music and Lyrics by Marc Teitler Story by Nancy Harris and Marc Teitler Directed by Purni Morell Sure, I eat people’s grandmothers once in a while, but that doesn’t make me a bad person… it makes me a good villain.

SEE IT FIRST FREE TEACHER EVENT: TUE 10 NOV, 5-7PM

(includes tickets to press night of Baddies: the Musical at 7pm) Join us for wine, cheese and a short talk about our new shows for primary schools. You’ll also find out more about the teacher resources to accompany Baddies: the Musical, before watching the show at 7pm. Free, booking required.

FREE PRESS NIGHT TICKETS FOR TEACHERS: THE SNOW CHILD – WED 25 NOV, 6.30PM MINOTAUR – THU 28 JAN, 7PM 2 free tickets per school, subject to availability.

To book, email schools@unicorntheatre.com with the name and postcode of your school.

So you think that being bad is wrong?

Think again. In fact, it’s actually fine – and absolutely necessary if that’s your job.

Which it is for the likes of the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook.

Thing is, how do you know who is really good at being bad and who is really bad at being good? Sometimes it’s a little hard to tell…

Step into the real lives of the fairytales’ most villainous characters in this sublimely entertaining, larger-than-life new musical that features live music onstage.

Perfect for a Christmas treat trip or to enhance curriculum learning around fairytales and stories.

Duration: Approx 2 hours (including an interval)

Wed 4 1pm Thu 5 1pm Tue 10 1pm / 7pm Wed 11 1pm Thu 12 10.30am Tue 17 10.30am Wed 18 10.30am Thu 19 2pm / 7pm Fri 20 10.30am Tue 24 10.30am / 2pm Wed 25 10.30am Thu 26 7pm Fri 27 10.30am

DECEMBER Wed 2 1pm

Thu 3 11am Fri 4 11am Tue 8 10.30am Wed 9 10.30am Thu 10 10.30am / 2pm Fri 11 7pm Tue 15 11am Wed 16 11am Thu 17 10.30am / 2pm

TEACHER CPD

Mon 28 Sep, 10am-4pm (free)

RESOURCE PACK (free) IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS (£120 p/class)

AUTUMN TERM

AUTUMN TERM

For Nursery – Reception

PERFORMANCE DIARY

For Reception – Year 2

A Unicorn / Filskit Theatre Company production

SEPTEMBER Tue 8

JOIN TEAM POLAR BEAR OR TEAM HUSKY AND FIND NEW FRIENDS.

Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Tue 15 Wed 16 Thu 17 Fri 18 Tue 22 Wed 23 Thu 24 Fri 25 Tue 29 Wed 30

10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10am / 11.15am / 1.45pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm

A Unicorn / Sheffield Theatres / Dancing Brick production

OCTOBER

Thu 1 Fri 2

10am / 11.15am / 1.45pm 10.30am / 1.15pm

BREAKING THE ICE

Have you heard the incredible true story of a wild polar bear who made friends with a Husky? If you haven’t then why not visit our website to watch the YouTube video.

Now we’ve created a show inspired by their unlikely friendship.

Be part of Team Polar Bear or Team Husky and watch as the animals learn to play together. Then get involved in the fun yourself by interacting with projected images that mirror your movements.

Duration: Approx 50 mins

THE SNOW CHILD

A WINTRY TALE FULL OF WARMTH THIS CHRISTMAS.

By Valentina Ceschi and Thomas Eccleshare Once upon a time there was a man and his wife who loved one another dearly, and although they were content and they lived happily there was just one thing they longed for: a child of their own.

So one cold, white winter’s day, they sculpt a daughter out of snow and something magical and extraordinary happens.

PERFORMANCE DIARY NOVEMBER Wed 18 1.15pm

Thu 19 1.15pm Tue 24 1.15pm Thu 26 10.30am / 1.15pm Fri 27 11am

DECEMBER Tue 1 11am

Wed 2 Thu 3 Fri 4 Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Tue 15 Wed 16 Thu 17 Fri 18

10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 11am / 1.45pm 11am / 1.45pm 11am / 1.45pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 11am / 1.45pm 10.30am / 1.15pm

This beautiful and inventive show by award-winning company Dancing Brick will transport you into the wintry world of this gorgeous Russian folktale.

Duration: Approx 50 mins

TEACHER CPD

Mon 5 Oct, 10am-4pm (free)

RESOURCE PACK (free)

SPRING TERM

SPRING TERM For School Years 3 – 6 A Unicorn production

MINOTAUR NO ONE EVER RETURNS FROM THE LABYRINTH.

By Adam Peck Directed by Tarek Iskander In Crete, in an impossible labyrinth, lives a fearsome and lonely beast with the head of a bull and the body of a man. Only his sister Ariadne cares for him, and she dreams of setting them both free from the rule of their selfish father, the King.

But when Ariadne sees her chance to escape, she makes a terrible pact with the enemy’s son that will change everyone’s future for better or for worse.

A playful, clever and dramatic retelling of the well known Greek myth from the writer of the Unicorn’s highly successful 2013 Christmas show, Cinderella: A Fairytale.

Duration: Approx 1 hr 15 mins

PERFORMANCE DIARY JANUARY Tue 26 11am

Thu 28 1.30pm Fri 29 11am

FEBRUARY Tue 2

For School Years 1 & 2

PERFORMANCE DIARY

A Second Hand Dance production in association with the Unicorn

JANUARY Fri 15

GRASS

EXPLORE THE WORLD BENEATH YOUR FEET. Look down. What are you standing on?

Explore the ground and all of its wriggling inhabitants in this quirky dance show for young children.

Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu 21 Fri 22 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29

10.30am 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm 10.30am / 1.15pm

10.30am / 1.30pm Wed 3 10.30am / 1.30pm Thu 4 10.30am / 1.30pm Fri 5 11am Tue 9 11am / 1.30pm Wed 10 11am / 1.30pm Thu 11 11am / 1.30pm Fri 12 11am

Featuring worms, slugs, snails, spontaneous outbreaks of ant dancing and plenty of obscure minibeast-related facts, Grass uses performance, puppetry and projection to inspire children to look closely at the world around them, to get mucky and play!

Duration: Approx 50 mins

TEACHER CPD

Fri 27 Nov, 10am-4pm (free)

RESOURCE PACK (free)

RESOURCE PACK (free) IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS (£120 p/class)

DISCOVER WHAT THEATRE CAN BRING TO YOUR CLASSROOM A twilight CPD course around Minotaur for teachers who are interested in finding out the learning potential offered by a trip to the theatre. See the Enhance Your Visit pages for more information.

SPRING TERM

SPRING TERM

For Nursery – Year 2

PERFORMANCE DIARY

For Nursery – Year 1

A Unicorn production

FEBRUARY Tue 9 10.30am

A Unicorn / Fish and Game production

JERAMEE, HARTLEBY AND OOOGLEMORE IT’S NOT WHAT YOU SAY, IT’S HOW YOU SAY IT.

By Gary Owen Directed by Tim Crouch Where is Jeramee? Who is making that noise? What is under the sheet and why does it keep moving?

Delivered with wit, impeccable timing and plenty of clowning around this show, directed by Tim Crouch (I, Malvolio, international touring; An Oak Tree at the National Theatre), is a surprising and surreal encounter with three people who have a lot to say – and only three words with which to say it.

A perfect first theatre experience for younger pupils.

Duration: Approx 50 mins

Wed 10 10.30am Thu 11 10.30am Fri 12 10.30am Tue 16 1.30pm / 7pm Wed 17 1.30pm Thu 18 10.30am / 1.30pm Fri 19 10.30am / 1.30pm Tue 23 10.30am / 1.30pm Wed 24 10.30am / 1.30pm Thu 25 1.30pm Fri 26 1.30pm

MARCH

Tue 1 10.30am / 1.30pm Wed 2 10.30am / 1.30pm Thu 3 10.30am / 1.30pm Fri 4 10.30am Tue 8 10.30am / 1.30pm Wed 9 10.30am / 1.30pm Thu 10 10.30am / 1.30pm Fri 11 10.30am Tue 15 10.30am / 1.30pm Wed 16 10.30am / 1.30pm Thu 17 10.30am / 1.30pm

THE POLAR BEARS GO UP REACH FOR THE STARS. Created and performed by Eilidh MacAskill and Fiona Manson The Polar Bears are back. This time the two intrepid explorers are going up in the world…

There aren’t many balloons in the Arctic.

So when you find one, it’s precious. And if it gets lost, you have to go and find it.

So now they must step up and explore unknown territory: the sky above their heads. They climb trees, jump on clouds and reach for the stars as they race each other all the way into space (and stop for a sandwich along the way, of course).

Following last year’s exceptional show The Polar Bears Go Wild we bring you the next instalment of their adventures.

A fun, surreal and highly enjoyable treat for children in Nursery – Year 1.

Duration: Approx 50 mins

PERFORMANCE DIARY APRIL

Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu 21 Fri 22 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29

10.30am / 1.30pm 10.30am / 1.30pm 11am / 2pm 11am / 1.30pm 10.30am / 1.30pm 10.30am / 1.30pm 10.30am / 1.30pm 11am

SUMMER TERM

SUMMER TERM

For Reception – Year 3 A Unicorn production

For School Years 3 – 6 An Arch 8 Dance Group production

TETRIS FIT IN OR STEP OUT.

By Erik Kaiel

Tetris is about fitting in and doing your own thing. It’s a show that asks you not how you can fit in with the world, but how you can change the world to fit who you are.

Arch 8 return following their hit show O Snap which played at the Unicorn last year. Choreographer Erik Kaiel has been making dances for many years – in subway stations, sculpture gardens, empty swimming pools, city streets, and occasionally on stage. His work is playful, physically impressive and highly entertaining.

Duration: 55 mins

PERFORMANCE DIARY APRIL

Thu 21 Fri 22

10.30am / 1.30pm 10.30am

SEPTIMUS BEAN AND HIS AMAZING MACHINE COULD YOU BE AN INVENTOR TOO?

Based on the book by Janet Quin-Harkin Adapted by Adam Peck Directed by Cressida Brown It had wheels. It had bells. It was painted bright blue. But King Albert asked, “Septimus, what does it DO?” Septimus Bean has invented a very great machine but is yet to work out what it is for. This comical, rhythmical and inventive show, based on the much loved-book, will make a great trip out for teachers exploring machines and materials in the classroom.

Duration: Approx 1 hr 15 mins

PERFORMANCE DIARY MAY

JUNE

Fri 20 1.15pm Wed 25 1.15pm Thu 26 1.15pm Fri 27 11am Wed 1 11am / 3pm Thu 2 11am / 3pm Fri 3 11am Tue 7 10.15am / 1.30pm Wed 8 11am Thu 9 10.15am / 1.30pm Fri 10 11am Tue 14 10.15am / 1.30pm Wed 15 10.15am / 1.30pm Thu 16 10.15am / 1.30pm Fri 17 11am Tue 21 10.15am / 1.30pm Wed 22 10.15am / 1.30pm Thu 23 10.15am / 1.30pm Fri 24 11am

TEACHER CPD

Mon 14 Mar, 10am-4pm (free)

RESOURCE PACK (free)

ENHANCE YOUR VISIT IN-SCHOOL DRAMA WORKSHOPS A practical and experiential introduction to the ideas, themes or characters in the show, led by our experienced practitioners in your school.

Pre-show workshops available for: Baddies: the Musical and Minotaur.

‘The children were totally engrossed… there were some amazing discussions, teamwork and learning throughout the workshop.’ Literacy Coordinator, 2014

RESOURCE PACKS Created with pupils and staff at our partner school, Woodcroft Primary School, our in-depth resource packs are packed full of useful information about the show, and can be used in the classroom to deepen your pupils’ engagement with the theatre experience before and after your visit. They include interviews with the creative team, a context for the play and pre/post-show activities.

Download resources from unicorntheatre.com/primary-schools

‘We fully embraced the classroom activities and the benefits have been clear. There has been a huge impact on the boys’ writing and their progress in all areas of literacy.’

Literacy Coordinator, 2014

TEACHER CPD Our teacher training days offer inspiration and support for exploring productions back at school and using them as a stimulus for work across the curriculum. Find out about the making of the show and work through practical and accessible drama activities that open up the play for you and your pupils.

We are running CPD days for Baddies: the Musical, The Snow Child, Minotaur and Septimus Bean and his Amazing Machine.

See show pages for dates.

‘Both the CPD day and resource pack were invaluable: they enabled us to share expertise and increase our level of confidence in using drama.’ Year 6 teacher, 2014

BACKSTAGE

TOURS Explore what’s happening backstage and find out what really goes into making a play.

Can be booked pre or post-show, or as a stand-alone event.

SHORT COURSE FOR TEACHERS DISCOVER WHAT THEATRE CAN BRING TO YOUR CLASSROOM A practical, drama-based course that will explore Greek myths and our new KS2 show, Minotaur: • increase your confidence in using drama in the classroom; • use drama to develop literacy, particularly with reluctant writers; • explore the learning potential offered by a theatre visit and how to develop children’s responses.

The course will run in the spring term on four Thursdays: 21 Jan, 28 Jan, 4 Feb and 11 Feb (all sessions 5 – 6.30pm)

POST-SHOW INSIGHTS Find out more about the show and the creative team in a post-show Q&A with members of the company.

Insights are free and can be booked after selected performances – contact us for more information.

Cost: £80 p/teacher (includes all sessions, resources, a ticket to Minotaur press night on 28 Jan at 7pm and refreshments).

Teachers do not have to commit to bringing pupils to see the show in order to participate.

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMMES EXPLORE

COLLABORATE

An in-depth programme for schools in the outer boroughs of London that works with the same pupils over three years (school years 4, 5 and 6). EXPLORE unlocks the rich potential for learning that is offered through a trip to the theatre and aims to develop confident, interested and articulate theatre-goers.

A year-long partnership between the Unicorn and one primary school. Pupils see all productions over the year, take part in projects in school and work with Unicorn staff to develop new learning materials. COLLABORATE is a unique opportunity to place a whole school focus on theatre and creative learning.

‘The benefit to the pupils has been huge as many have limited access to the theatre, some visiting for the first time through the programme. We’ve seen a marked improvement in our under-achieving pupils, particularly boys.’

ABOUT YOUR VISIT Our theatre was built with young people in mind, and it is important to us that we offer a space in which they feel welcome and important. We actively encourage our audiences to laugh, respond, clap and cheer during our shows – we want to create a space that is different from school, where the normal rules are bent just that little bit.

So please don’t feel your pupils have to watch the show in silence – in fact we encourage the opposite, and want them to feel this is their space where they get to make some of the rules.

There are only three things we ask in the auditorium: No photos No phones No food

Teacher, 2014-15

We particularly ask that teachers stick to these rules too, so that you can watch and enjoy the show with your pupils.

We recruit new schools for our partnership programmes annually, every May. To find out more email schools@unicorntheatre.com

You can find answers to frequently asked questions, a risk assessment and ice cream order form on our website, but if you have any questions or specific requirements we are always happy to discuss them with you.

ACCESS At the Unicorn we strive to offer shows that are accessible to everyone.

Relaxed Performances are open to everyone but focus on supporting those on the autism spectrum and those with learning disabilities, sensory or communication disorders.

We offer support material for each show.

Breaking the Ice Fri 18 Sep, 1.15pm The Snow Child Thu 3 Dec, 1.15pm Baddies: the Musical Fri 20 Nov, 10.30am Minotaur Fri 5 Feb, 11am The Polar Bears Go Up Thu 28 Apr, 10.30am

ARE ANY OF YOUR PUPILS 10 ON 1 DECEMBER 2015?

We’re on the hunt for 10-year-olds who share our birthday to join us for a special glitzy red carpet performance of Baddies: the Musical.

Visit the website for more information.

Integrated Sign-Language Performances (ISIP) are suitable for BSL users.

Baddies: the Musical Thu 26 Nov, 7pm Tue 15 Dec, 11am

Live Audio Description and pre-show touch tours supports those with visual impairments.

Baddies: the Musical Thu 19 Nov, 7pm Live Captioning assists those who have hearing impairments or would benefit from reading the dialogue along with the action.

Baddies: the Musical Thu 3 Dec, 11am Minotaur Wed 10 Feb, 1.30pm There is an infra-red Sennheiser system in both theatres for sound amplification.

There is wheelchair access throughout the building and a wheelchair accessible lift to all floors.

For more information or for specific requests regarding access visit the website, email access@unicorntheatre.com or call the Box Office.

HOW TO BOOK To book tickets call the Box Office on 020 7645 0560 or download a booking form on the schools’ section of the website at unicorntheatre.com.

To discuss any aspect of our schools’ programme, book workshops and teacher CPD or to join our teachers’ mailing list, contact Schools’ Relationship Manager, Ella Macfadyen, on 020 7645 0544 or schools@unicorntheatre.com.

If you would like more information about making a visit to the Unicorn, download the Useful Info For Schools document from our website.

TICKETS STANDARD TICKET PRICE £10 per pupil (1 teacher FREE per 10 tickets booked)

EARLY BIRD OFFER £7.50 per ticket if you book for 2 different shows before 31 Jul 2015.

MULTI-SHOW OFFER £8.50 per ticket if you book for 2 different shows from 1 Aug 2015.

ENHANCE YOUR VISIT • BOOK A PLACE ON OUR TEACHER CPD DAY* FREE • DOWNLOAD ACCOMPANYING RESOURCES FOR CLASSROOM USE* FREE • BOOK AN IN-SCHOOL WORKSHOP* £120 per class • ADD A BACKSTAGE TOUR £1 per pupil (£3 per student if booking as a stand-alone event)

*for selected shows

SUBSIDISED TICKETS Thanks to generous funding from The McGrath Trust, we are able to offer fully or partly subsidised tickets to schools who are unable to visit us for financial or other reasons.

HOW TO FIND US Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ

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Cover images: Hugo Glendinning Design: Eureka! (eureka.co.uk)

London Bridge (5 – 10 minutes’ walk, depending on leg length) Coach parking is available at Tooley St. The coach bays provide a safe, riverside meeting place for groups that is close to HMS Belfast. There is also coach parking available at Southwark St and Tower Hill.

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