Unicorns, Almost

Name a Second World War poet. Rupert Brooke, Robert Graves, Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon and many others are household names from the Great War of 1914-18 but who are their counterparts from 1939-45? It’s a tough question, but

Honest, holistic and honed.

Unicorns, Almost - by award-winning playwright and BAFTA nominee Owen Sheers -

provides one answer in the form of Keith Douglas. It’s an immersive production courtesy of Army@TheFringe, at the Army Reserve Centre, East Claremont St.

Douglas was a product of Merton College, Oxford and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, although his childhood was marred by the almost permanent ill-health of his mother and the absence of his father, who had to work away from home to provide for the family and keep them from poverty, as well as the ultimate divorce of his parents. He found the love of his life at Oxford but his feelings were not fully reciprocated. Other women were never able to fill the void.

He signed up once war was declared, but his training didn’t commence until the summer of 1940. The following year he was posted to Cairo and then Palestine. He yearned for action but was stationed at the HQ behind battle lines. Without permission he drove to the conflict zone telling the Colonel there that he was under orders; a lie he got away with. He was given a squadron and a tank in time for the great battle of El Alamein. He returned to England with injuries but took part in the D-Day landings on the 6th June 1944. Three days later he fell victim to enemy fire and died at the age of twenty four.

Entering the performance is rather like accessing a grotto. A narrow corridor is lined with literature relating to the production and a collection of memorabilia and illustrations from the period. It opens into a cave-like room, completely bedecked with military paraphernalia that has elements of the battlefield combined with an operations room and a homely writing desk. The installation has been open for moving audio presentations and is permanently accessible at times outside of the performance. For the live production, it takes on an even more intense atmosphere. An evocative soundscape by Jon Nicholls is enhanced by Ben Pickersgill’s

moody lighting design that immerses us in the period and locations that Douglas would have known. The remainder of this total experience is in the hands of Dan Krikler as Keith Douglas, under the sensitive direction of John Retallack.

The script and Krikler’s performance reflect the style of Douglas’s writing; a mode of expression that Douglas described as ‘extrospective’. His technique was to write observations on events and what he saw around him rather than give vent to emotions. Krikler captures this detachment in his calm descriptions of the man’s life and reflections on the events he experienced. This intensifies the moments when he lets loose and the inner feelings finally surface, so that Douglas’ humanity, rather than his setting, becomes the focus of attention. Krikler’s style of melancholic understatement could at times perhaps be more energised, but it remains captivating throughout.

Honest, holistic and honed, Unicorns, Almost is faithful to the words of Douglas himself: "Remember me when I am dead, And simplify me when I'm dead".

Reviews by Richard Beck

Charing Cross Theatre

Rebecca

★★
The Lion And Unicorn

The Old Queen's Head

★★★★★
The Bridge House Theatre

Mess Maker

★★★★
Park Theatre London

Sorry We Didn't Die at Sea

★★★
The Gatehouse

The Lady With a Dog

★★★
The Bridge House Theatre

One Under Par

★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Unicorns, Almost is a one-man play by Owen Sheers about the life and work of WWII poet Keith Douglas. Let an immersive set and a 'wonderful performance' (Margaret Atwood) by Dan Krikler take you into Douglas' world, from childhood through four engagements to fighting in the Western desert and his death three days after D-Day aged 24. This is the story of the accelerated development of a poet and his desperate race to see his words in print before time runs out. Directed by John Retallack. Produced by The Story of Books.

Most Popular See More

The Play That Goes Wrong

From £15.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Matilda the Musical

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Grease the Musical

From £21.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

From £12.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Mousetrap

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets