'Magical' show opening doors to theatre for disabled children in Oldham
A transformative and inclusive theatre show, 'Last Unicorn Airways,' is coming to Oldham, designed specifically for disabled children and families. The production by The Blanket Fort Club features sensory storytelling, puppetry, and interactive elements to create an accessible theatre experience.
Last Unicorn Airways Brings Transformative Theatre Experience to Oldham
An immersive theatre production designed specifically for children with complex needs and disabilities will land at Oldham Coliseum this month, offering families a rare opportunity to experience live performance together. Last Unicorn Airways, created by pioneering company The Blanket Fort Club, transforms the traditional theatre experience into an inclusive global adventure through music, puppetry, comedy, and sensory storytelling.
The show follows two baggage handlers who recreate a round-the-world journey inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Flying Trunk. Using imaginative play, universal sign language, and non-verbal storytelling, the production explores themes of adventure, connection, and belonging. Every audience member receives a sensory keyring to support engagement, and children are encouraged to move freely and make noise throughout the performance.
At the heart of the experience lies an interactive tunnel installation where children can join performers on stage to explore glittering surprises and meet the elusive unicorn. Actor Will Batty described the production as “a really magical show that taps into a sense of freedom and play, which will hopefully inspire and rejuvenate grown-ups just as much as children.”
The production emerged from collaboration with children at four SEND schools in Rotherham, who contributed artwork and design elements that will appear on stage. Miranda Debenham, disabled producer for The Blanket Fort Club, emphasized the transformative impact: “Whether it’s being able to express their ideas and be taken seriously, or seeing their artwork on stage, the impact on their confidence and development is transformative.”
Last Unicorn Airways will perform at Oldham Coliseum on May 28, with additional shows at Harrogate Theatre (May 29), Interplay Theatre in Leeds (May 30), and Sheffield Theatres (August 2). The Arts Council England-funded production welcomes audiences with neurodiversity, autism spectrum disorder, profound and multiple learning disabilities, and other complex needs. Tickets for the Oldham performance are available now.
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