Coming Soon: Last Unicorn Airways at Barnsley Civic
We’re excited to announce Last Unicorn Airways—a whimsical and immersive eco-theatre experience—landing at Barnsley Civic on 19th February 2025.
This show created by Sheffield based Blanket Fort Club, and co-commissioned by Barnsley Civic and Arc Stockton, weaves together Hans Christian Andersen’s The Flying Trunk with themes of the Coronavirus pandemic, climate change, and the possibility of cultural transformation. With playful storytelling and vibrant visuals, Last Unicorn Airways is designed to engage audiences of all ages, making it the perfect family event.
The story follows two inventive baggage handlers on an imaginative journey aboard the final flight of the Last Unicorn Airways’ Boeing 747. Luggage piled high, they open each suitcase to reveal enchanting makeshift sets, puppets, and costumes, sparking bite-sized adventures from across the globe. As the journey unfolds, audiences are immersed in a creative and dynamic world, where everyday life is reframed as an adventure not to be taken for granted.
One particular suitcase contains The Flying Trunk, a classic love story adapted from Arabian Nights, in which a careless storyteller embarks on an adventure with nothing but a magical flying suitcase. This tale serves as a mirror for the whole show, as our playful luggage handlers embody the storyteller’s spirit and characters, offering a reflection on courage, connection, and resilience.
The show culminates in a sensory experience as the audience is invited to move through a dazzling immersive tunnel installation, with glistening memorabilia from the journey. Each attendee’s interaction with this installation is unique, providing a memorable, personal experience for all.
Through all the playful storytelling and imaginative adventure, Last Unicorn Airways gently asks us to reflect on the changes we’ve faced, to embrace the future, and to consider—if the Last Unicorn Airways could fly again, would we want them to?
Tickets will be on sale soon, so keep an eye on our website and get ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure.
