Unicorn Theatre Announces 2025/26 Autumn Season
The Unicorn Theatre has unveiled the Autumn 2025/26 season, featuring a diverse mix of folk tales, musical theatre, physical comedy, and festive family entertainment. Running from September 2025 to January 2026, the season promises high-quality, bold, and innovative theatre for young audiences.
Artwork provided by the venue
Season Highlights
Stiles and Drewe’s The Three Little Pigs
A musical adventure in co-production with Chichester Festival Theatre
Dates: 27 September – 2 November 2025Anansi the Spider
A retelling of the famous West African and Caribbean folk tales in co-production with Birmingham Rep
Dates: 3 October – 16 November 2025World Premiere: How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
A festive production adapted from Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s bestselling picture book, in co-production with Told by an Idiot
Dates: 15 November 2025 – 3 January 2026Scrunch
A multi-sensory experience for babies aged 6-18 months
Dates: 30 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
A Season of Courage, Creativity, and Connection
The Unicorn Theatre’s Artistic Director Rachel Bagshaw expressed excitement for the new season, stating:
“At the Unicorn, we are deeply committed to offering the highest quality of work to young audiences. This season introduces children to a diverse range of stories, from sensory delights for our littlest theatre-goers to exciting musical adventures for younger audiences.”
She added that the full 2025/26 programme will be announced in June and will include productions for a broader age range.
Production Details
Stiles and Drewe’s The Three Little Pigs (27 September – 2 November 2025)
This family-friendly musical by Stiles and Drewe (The Billy Goats Gruff, Honk!) will be a delightful reimagining of the classic tale. Featuring catchy songs, humour, and engaging storytelling, the show follows three piglets—Bar, Bee, and Q—as they venture out into the world and face the Big Bad Wolf. The production will open at the Unicorn before touring to Chichester Festival Theatre.
Anansi the Spider (3 October – 16 November 2025)
Following a sold-out run in 2023, this critically acclaimed retelling of Anansi’s famous folk tales returns. Adapted from West African and Caribbean legends, this vibrant and energetic production is directed by Unicorn Associate Director Robin Belfield, in partnership with Birmingham Rep.
World Premiere: How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? (15 November 2025 – 3 January 2026)
In its first collaboration with Told by an Idiot, the Unicorn presents a hilarious, anarchic Christmas caper based on Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s bestselling book. With a fusion of physical comedy, live music, and interactive storytelling, this unique production will bring a new twist to festive theatre.
Scrunch (30 November 2025 – 4 January 2026)
Designed for babies aged 6-18 months, Scrunch is part of the Unicorn’s Early Years programme. Created by Sarah Argent and Kevin Lewis, this multi-sensory theatre experience offers an engaging and immersive performance for the very youngest audiences.
Commitment to Young Audiences
The Unicorn Theatre continues its mission to make theatre accessible to all young people:
Over 10,000 pupils benefit from its subsidised ticket programme, with 20% of tickets sold at a reduced price.
The theatre fosters equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that all children can see themselves reflected in the stories they experience on stage.
The Creative Hub places children at the heart of the creative process, using theatre to amplify young voices.
Looking Ahead
The full 2025/26 season will be announced in June 2025, with additional productions for older audiences.
Bagshaw concluded:
“We are honoured and proud to take responsibility for shaping the future of theatre for young audiences. The Unicorn is a place where children can explore, question, and engage with stories that reflect their world.”
For more information and booking details, visit Unicorn Theatre’s website.
