The theatre’s season will include collaborations with Roald Dahl Story Company, Slot Machine Theatre, Leeds Playhouse and Birmingham Rep.
Offering theatre for theatre of all ages, the Unicorn Theatre has unveiled further details of its 2025/2026 season.
In March, Slot Machine Theatre will present Your Toys (22nd March – 12th April) a show that puts children’s favourite toys centre stage as they watch them come to life on stage. Suitable for those aged five to nine years, the show is filled with laughs, music and surprises. It was created through workshops with children.
Meanwhile, following on from a successful run in 2023, Toto Kerblammo! (May 1st – 17th May) returns to the Unicorn. Created by Tim Crouch (An Oak Tree, Young Vic; My Arm, Traverse Theatre), the show uses 3D binaural audio technology to tell the story of Effy and her beloved pet as they discover the meaning of friendship, love and grief.
Planet Omar (21st May – 7th June) will see audiences stepping into the world of 8-year-old British Muslim Omar, using dynamic storytelling, playful visuals, and a heartwarming message. Adapted from the the beloved books by Zanib Mian, it is directed by Sameena Hussain (Peanut Butter and Blueberries, Kiln Theatre; I Wanna Be Yours,
Leeds Playhouse) and adapted for the stage by Bradford playwright Asif Khan (Combustion, Arcola Theatre; Sisters 360, Polka Theatre).
In addition, the theatre will also be making Roald Dahl’s tale The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me available to watch online from the 28th October. Performed by Hammed Animashaun (Black Ops, BBC1; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Bridge), Chirag Benedict Lobo (Rope, Theatr Clwyd; Life of Pi, West End), and Akuc Bol (The
Last King of Scotland, Sheffield Theatres; The Swimmers, Working Title), the story follows Billy young dreamer who wants to turn a crumbling wooden house into the world’s greatest sweetshop. The production is directed by former Bush Theatre Associate Artistic Director Daniel Bailey.
Also being made available to watch online will be the stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s award-winning novel Pig Heart Boy, adapted by Winsome Pinnock and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu. It is a Unicorn co-production of co-production with Sheffield Theatres and Children’s Theatre Partnership. A winner of the 2025 UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People, this powerful stage
adaptation premiered at the Unicorn Theatre before touring nationally.
Rachel Bagshaw, Artistic Director of the Unicorn, comments: “As we look ahead to our 2026 season, I’m thrilled to be working with Leeds Playhouse and Birmingham Rep on the stage adaptation of Zanib Mian’s wonderful book, Planet Omar. At a time when the world can feel increasingly divided, this joyful production offers a heartfelt reminder of the power of creativity, representation and togetherness.
I’m also delighted to welcome back Tim Crouch with his tender story about the healing power of friendship. For Unicorn Online, we’ve reunited with the Roald Dahl Story Company to bring one of Roald Dahl’s funniest and most whimsical tales to children,
families and schools across the country. These additions to our 2025/26 season invite audiences to reflect on the world around us and how it shapes our lives, while sharing in joyful, playful experiences together. I cannot wait to bring these stories to audiences in London and beyond.”
To find out more visit: https://www.unicorntheatre.com/