I have to admit that getting myself from the City office of one of my clients to pick up my 11 year old daughter who was being escorted to London Bridge in time for this evening's performance was a bit of challenge (HOW many roadworks are there at the moment?) but I made it.
So at 615pm we started wandering down Tooley Street to get to wonderful Unicorn Theatre. Tickets in hand I felt I deserved a cup of coffee - or something stronger. But, alas, the cafe at the theatre wasn't playing ball so to my daughter's delight we went back to More London in search of refreshment. While she dipped her hands and splashed in the water features there I hunted for a welcoming coffee sign. No luck. Just a wine bar that probably doesn't allow kids. So Marks & Spencer still water and choc chip cookies in hand, we returned to the theatre.
I have to say that I had forgotten just how beautiful the building is. Even surrounded by neighbouring construction works. Sliding entry doors. Massive glass panes. Sensuous dark wood walls. And, of course, that giant glistening white unicorn. As we climbed the stairs to the Weston Theatre on the third floor, we lingered over the holograms and colourful costume illustrations.
My daughter adores the large amphitheatre and we found seats right in the middle. So she was very happy. We were surprised that it was so busy tonight - most of the audience looked in the 15-18 age range. But there were plenty of adults too. The play is recommended for 14+ - for the somewhat more mature theme and strong language (I had checked about suitability for my older-than-her-years 11 year old).
Sixteen Up is billed as a "sort of love story". It explores the huge rush of emotion that explodes within teenagers as they first encounter love and navigate those tricky first sexual encounters.
There are just two players - suitably named Adam and Evie. And the entire production is accompanied by an on-stage sometimes singing, versatile and gifted guitarist.
My daughter was fascinated by the set - two large white box-like structures - and anticipated interesting multimedia graphics (she had been really impressed with a previous production at the Unicorn of Looking for JJ). She was not disappointed. The players used those boxes to shadow play the typical movements (including some quite romantic synchronised dance moves) that young people might perform in their own rooms when no one is watching and they are restless.
Then we hear how poor Adam gets tongue tied and unable to express himself when with Evie. And how he feels about saying "I love you" and how difficult it is to admit that perhaps sex isn't what is foremost in his mind. It's a beautifully observed and compelling portrayal of teenage angst. And a touching expression of a teenager's need for parental reassurance yet reluctance to share news of their secret blossoming sexuality.
Then Evie gets her chance and we hear her version of events - with humourous recall of the reaction of her friends (and excellent accents to help us determine who is supposed to be saying what). Butterflies are a nice metaphor for nervousness and innocence lost.
The club scene - and a few others - raised some genuine laughs from the audience whilst not undermining the poignancy or importance of the situation. A welcome relief, in fact.
After 40 minutes there is a 20 minute intermission and we returned to the second half to find that Adam and Evie are now 17 and so much more savvy and confident - and with new partners. I won't tell you the end as it will spoil it for you.
My 11 year old enjoyed the production - particularly the fabulous animations that supported some of the "to myself" conversations. But she struggled a bit with discerning the different characters being conveyed by the actors - I'm sure older kids wouldn't have that difficulty.
Any parents with teenagers will immediately recognise the language, gestures and text message speak that say "I'm cool" to the outside world but belie the "I'm kinda freaked" on the inside.
Actually, I wished I had dragged along my nearly 17 year old son - because I think he would have connected with it a little more (especially as he's been with his girlfriend for about six months now).
Anyway. It's lovely to return to The Unicorn. And gratifying to see that they are maintaining such high quality productions - that speak the language of and address themes which really are designed for the younger audience - without being patronising. Or cliche. This is modern theatre and moving. And there were several scenes that will remain vivid in my memory for a long time.
Sixteen Up is on at The Unicorn until 22nd November so you'll have to hurry as it then moves on to York, Crawley and Canterbury.
