Hotels, B&Bs and posh yurts are so last season, according to the Unicorn theatre at least who are inviting audiences to bunk up with them and an Olivier Award nominated production instead this Christmas.
The London Bridge theatre’s unique sleepovers will take place on 13 and 20 December following performances of Cinderella: A Fairytale, Sally Cookson’s equally quirky take on the classic tale and its story of a girl whose life is thrown into turmoil after the death of her father.
For £50, audience members will be treated to a performance of the show, after-show meet and greets with the cast, a tasty dinner and a whole host of family activities. The venue’s Weston stage will then be transformed into a bed for a night, and once you’ve woken up refreshed – no doubt following a night of vivid dreams about awkward princes, swooping birds and evil step-mothers – the experience will be rounded off with an all-important breakfast.
Launched last year, the slumber party received a rousing reception by 2012’s theatrically placed REM-indulging participants, with one parent commenting it was a “great opportunity to do something different and adventurous with my daughter. How many times have you had the chance to sleep in a theatre?”
If the daytime is more your thing, the Unicorn still has plenty to offer with the introduction of a new Saturday Unicorn Play Club (UP Club). Taking place on 23 November, 7, 14, 21, 28 December and 4 January from midday to 13:30, the UP Club will offer interactive fun from making a rocket to decorating cakes.
To take part, parents or guardians need to visit the Unicorn theatre and sign up to be a member. While all UP Club activities and memberships are totally free, throughout the year the Unicorn will also offer UP+ events allowing audience members to get involved with shows playing on its critically acclaimed stages for just £1.