The Unicorn In Captivity

30th – 31st July 2024

By Angelika May
Produced by Vertebra Theatre

Paris has the Olympics but hey, London has the Camden Fringe, now in full swing till August 25, and rivalling Edinburgh.

Four weeks of theatre, comedy and performance across North London and as exhausting and entertaining as anything the athletes can throw at us. Three hundred plus new shows in 23 venues showcase family comedy, stand-up, opera, improv, student drama and ‘sex chat grannies’- whatever/whoever they are.

Maybe I didn’t choose wisely.

The Unicorn in Captivity was uncomfortable. As it was intended to be. A piece that ran for 75 minutes aimed to raise awareness of epilepsy and hidden disabilities.

“The actors are totally believable, with May’s mournful wide eyes that reminded of Shelley Duvall, and Collinson’s self-assured stubble and swagger”

We follow F (Angelika May), a fine arts student in her final year, who meets M (Charlie Collinson), an acclaimed photographer, self-absorbed and obsessed by illness and death.

He faithfully catalogued his mother’s breast cancer until she died. Now, oh joy, he has the opportunity to explore M’s epilepsy from diagnosis and beyond.

A Tracey Emin style bed, without the filth, takes centre stage at the Theatro Technis. It sees a lot of action. Not so much sex but plumping of pillows and duvets, which remained startlingly white despite F’s black boot trampling.

The actors are totally believable, with May’s mournful wide eyes that reminded of Shelley Duvall, and Collinson’s self-assured stubble and swagger.

The piece has high ideals, addressing systemic male bias in the medical industry, using the idea of voyeurism and exploitation in the arts as a lens to highlight how women are often seen merely as objects, even the failings of the beleaguered NHS.

It also aims to give epilepsy and other chronic neurological conditions more recognition. This feels a very personal play as the story was sparked by May’s own diagnosis of chronic vertigo and migraines, and her friendship with someone who is epileptic. May was also a carer for her mother in the months before she died of cancer.

It is no doubt a worthy endeavour but as theatre it lacked engagement.

Other Cast:
Nick Morrison Baker, Jack Tivey and Patrick McHugh.
Creatives:
Director Mayra Stergiou; Design by Eliza Podesta: Lighting by Jaymie Quin from Stewart Production Company.

Photograph: Anya Rose

Gill Martin