In the same vein as spotting a unicorn, encountering an original play making its West End premiere is equally exceptional. Therefore, in recognition of such rarity, we present “Unicorn” with our bouquets.
However, for all of its efforts, this amusing play fails to be described as ‘provocative’.
The play titled “Unicorn” is freshly created, featuring an original script penned by Mike Bartlett. It’s under the expert direction of James Macdonald, while Kate Horton takes on the role of producer for this production.
On prior occasions, Bartlett and Horton have collaborated, most notably in the play Cock, where they shared credit. This play revolves around a character played by Ben Whishaw who is struggling with the affections of both a male and female lover, with Andrew Scott also featuring in the cast.
Much like how Cock delves into relationship complexities, Unicorn focuses on the nuances of a marriage shared by the middle-class, middle-aged duo, Polly (portrayed by Nicola Walker) and Nick (played by Stephen Mangan).
In simpler terms, the romantic intimacy between the couple seems to have faded, and they think a 28-year-old student named Kate, who happens to be a Cockney and portrayed by Erin Doherty in The Crown, might reignite their passion.
Initially, the play delves into the intricacies surrounding a three-person relationship, exploring its potential impact on Polly and Nick’s marriage. Questions arise about how this arrangement may influence their union in the long run, whether it will do so at all, and what the children, neighbors, and Nick’s friend Tom might think about it.
In this scenario, thoughtful analyses of traditional concepts such as masculinity, monogamy, guilt, and capitalism are presented. The two individuals ultimately ponder over whether or not to proceed with a three-person relationship.
In the second section, it’s revealed that Polly and Nick have split up. Later on, Mangan’s character encounters Kate and proposes they revive their relationship and engage in intimate activities together. Remarkably, this threesome evolves into a polyamorous setup, with Kate eventually joining Polly and Nick as their girlfriend.
Unlike the prolonged debates about whether or not to engage in a threesome, there seems to be no prior dialogue when it comes to forming a throuple; spectators may infer that the decisiveness of this polyamorous relationship stems from Nick’s newfound confidence following his adoption of kayaking and an incident where he knocked out a man.
In the second segment, the viewers come to understand that the unicorn carries two significant meanings. Besides symbolizing Kate becoming part of Polly and Nick’s union, it also stands for optimism.
For Kate, owning a unicorn provides a sense of safety and consistency amidst her challenging circumstances as a young adult who has recently lost her parents, navigating through escalating living costs and the impact of climate change. For Polly and Nick, a unicorn symbolizes a means to maintain a semblance of life’s joy and vitality.
As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that while Richard Coyle and Debra Wiseman, who previously portrayed a married duo in “The Split,” were compelling in their roles, I found myself questioning their authenticity when it came to portraying a triad relationship in the latest film.
1. The play started off awkwardly, and the dialogue seemed abrupt, making it clear that I was watching a play instead of a casual interaction among three individuals.
2. From the start, the play felt stiff and the dialogues were choppy, leaving me aware that I was witnessing a performance rather than a genuine conversation between three people.
3. The initial scenes of the play were clumsy, and the dialogue seemed unnatural, reminding me that what I was seeing was a play and not a real-life interaction among three individuals.
4. The opening moments of the play felt forced, and the dialogue lacked fluidity, causing me to realize that I was observing a performance instead of an organic conversation between three people.
5. The beginning of the play was stilted, and the dialogue felt contrived, making it evident that I was watching a production rather than a natural conversation among three people.
6. The play started off awkwardly, and the dialogues seemed staged, reminding me that I was in an audience and not eavesdropping on a real-life interaction between three individuals.
Despite the growing camaraderie among the trio, an absence of emotional depth and ardor pervaded their interactions, and certain dialogues, like Nick’s explanation of the Latin origins of ‘credit’, seemed to miss their mark.
In Doherty’s portrayal, her character is attracted to her teacher Polly, who is not just a teacher but also a poet, due to their shared love for ‘the written word’. A significant moment between Polly and Nick unfolds where Polly expresses her desire for Nick sexually, to which Nick reciprocates candidly. This scene showcases honesty in its rawest form, and it inspires the character of Unicorn to aspire towards such openness and a lack of embarrassment.
Miriam Buether’s design, composed of minimal elements, presents each scene as a single piece of furniture such as a sofa, bench, or bed. The sparse staging gives off an air of emptiness that seems to underscore the absence of emotional connection within the play.
To read additional theatre show reviews, check out our Top Second Review and the Stage/Fright review of Inside No. 9.
When and where can I see Unicorn in London’s West End?
A unicorn will be putting on a show at the Garrick Theatre in London, starting this coming Friday, 14th of February, all the way up to Saturday, 26th of April, this very year.
Stepping into the heart of London’s bustling West End, I found myself at the enchanting Garrick Theatre, nestled snugly at 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH. This captivating venue is a gem in our capital city’s cultural landscape.
How to get tickets to Unicorn play at Garrick Theatre
You can purchase tickets right now for the show featuring Unicorn, available at LOVEtheatre. Given the stellar cast, it’s not surprising that tickets are priced between £102. Nevertheless, there’s a good selection of dates with tickets still available.
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2025-02-14 20:34