Kids in London – Unicorn Theatre’s marvellous “The Pardoner’s Tale”

KimT's London for Kids Blog

Chaucer and children don’t mix. Wrong.

This fabulous production will hook every child. I know because I sat with around 200 of them from three school groups - from seven year olds in their fluorescent traffic coats to know-it-all eleven year old pre-teens.

The story has an important moral tale (“Greed is the root of all evil”) from a work of great British literature bought bang up to date with references to today’s bankers, politicians and celebrities. It’s a strong stand against the “I want it all now for nothing” ethos pervading young lives.

The seven deadly sins were described – and extended to failing to tidy your bedroom, eating too much pudding and not caring about others. Latin was used – there was no condescension to the young audience. Half the performance was the Pardoner explaining his role and his tricks and the other half the tale of the three foolish bad guys who go on a quest to bring “death to death”.

There was rain. There was snow. There was music and singing. There was dry ice and darkness. There was excitement. There was audience participation (including the teachers). There was drama.

Actor Gary Lagden was magnificent – convincing as the Pardoner, versatile with his portrayal of all of the characters and adept at keeping the kids totally enraptured. The backing musicians were skilled as they added sound effects, moved props and provided shadow theatre. What an excellent demonstration of theatre arts for those studying drama.

It’s suitable for seven years and up with ticket prices from £10 to £16 and lasting just 50 minutes with performances until 31st January – more details here https://www.unicorntheatre.com/the-pardoners-tale

And if you haven’t been to this glorious youth theatre in its stylish, modern building just minutes from London Bridge station in Southwark, then look out for some of the other favourites coming up:

Hannah (ages 11+) Marlowe's Dr Faustus re-imagined for a modern world 8th February – 9th March 2014

Not Now Bernard (ages 0 – 4) 18th February - 1st May

The Velveteen Rabbit (ages 4 – 7) 21st March - 19th April

Posted Date
Jan 22, 2014 in KimT's London for Kids Blog by KimT