Katherine MacAlister is enchanted by a play that brings Morpurgo’s treasured story to life

Story-telling, the power of words and the value of books, provides the basis for I Believe In Unicorns.

And while the premise might sound rather earnest, when taken from Michael Morpurgo’s well-loved children’s novel and performed by Theatre Alibi at the Oxford Playhouse, the resulting production was magic.

Some of the children attending had been lucky enough to join in on the accompanying Easter workshop where they spent the day acting, drawing and talking about all their favourite things (my daughter said she was the only person not to name her family, our cat gaining pole position instead!) The workshop ended at 3pm and was followed by the professional production itself. It depicted a boy called Tomas, who hates school, books and stories. He’s happier clambering mountains with his dad, until he meets the new story-teller at the local library and is captivated by her wonderful tales, finally understanding the power of books.

But then war is declared and Tomas’ life changes irrevocably, his world turned upside down as his town and the blessed library are bombed.

Performed by a cast of four, who multi-task their way around the numerous parts with a minimum of props or a set, Tomas’ world is brought to life through haunting music and acutely realised mannerisms of children.

As with all children’s theatre, the young audience can make or break a production through concentration levels, but I Believe In Unicorns captivated them for the full 50 minutes.

Oxford Playhouse has released its May half-term school holidays workshop details and two of its summer workshops: 
Musical Theatre – Thursday. May 28 to Friday May 29 
Play in a Week – Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7 
Comedy and Clowning – Monday, August 17 to Friday, August 21 August 
Bookings: 01865 305305 or oxfordplayhouse.com