Unicorn Receives 30 Percent Lift in Arts Council Funding

Today the Unicorn Theatre has announced that it has received an uplift in its Arts Council investment of 30%, taking its annual grant to £1,303,884 from April '15.

This substantial investment recognises the theatre's recent programme, creating and presenting 65 productions for young audiences since April '12, with an ongoing commitment to new work with the best artists for an audience that continues to grow each year. This investment will allow the Unicorn to enhance its programme for both audiences and artists.

Purni Morell, Artistic Director of the Unicorn said "Children's theatre has come a long way since the Unicorn was founded in 1947, and it's a terrific milestone to be recognised in this funding round as being equally important to the cultural life of the nation as any of the country's leading theatres. We're absolutely committed to making this vital public investment count, not just for the Unicorn but for the whole of children's theatre in the UK, as we embark on an ambitious programme of commissions, productions, tours and talent development, as ever, working with some of the best artists around, and continuing to push expectations of what can be achieved in children's arts ever higher."

Jude Law, Unicorn Ambassador, said 'The Unicorn is one of the most important theatres in the UK today. Children's theatre has long been sidelined, but the work going on at the Unicorn is vibrant, with shows there to rival the best European theatre, and a bold belief in children's ability to understand and respond to complex questions and ideas. I'm delighted to continue to work with the Unicorn team in the next thrilling stage of the theatre's evolution."

The Unicorn is the UK's leading professional theatre for young audiences, dedicated to inspiring and invigorating young people of all ages, perspectives and abilities, by empowering them to explore the world, on their own terms, through theatre. The Unicorn expects to be judged by the same standards as the best of adult theatre, and offers an extensive programme of classic and new work that strives to push the boundaries of theatrical imagination and form.