'Magical' show opening doors to theatre for disabled children in Oldham
Date published: 08 May 2025
A Last Unicorn Airways rehearsal shot, with Libby Robin and Will Batty in action. Image courtesy of AI NARAPOL
A ‘transformative ’show which opens doors for more disabled children to experience theatre will be performed in Oldham this month.
Pioneering immersive theatre company The Blanket Fort Club creates accessible, inclusive productions for families and children with complex needs and disabilities.
Their new show, Last Unicorn Airways, takes the audience on a global adventure through engaging music, puppetry, comedy, and sensory storytelling.
At the end, participants are invited to join the performers on stage at Oldham Coliseum and explore an interactive tunnel installation filled with glittering surprises - and to meet the elusive unicorn from the show’s name.
Rooted in the belief that theatre should be a shared experience for all, The Blanket Fort Club works to remove barriers that have excluded disabled children and their families from live performance.
Their shows are designed to offer families - often for the very first time - the chance to enjoy theatre together in a joyful, welcoming environment.
Actor Will Batty said: “This is 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.”
Last Unicorn Airways centres on two baggage handlers who recreate a round-the-world journey, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Flying Trunk.
It is highly tactile and visual, using imaginative play, universal sign language, and non-verbal storytelling to explore themes of adventure, connection and belonging.
Every audience member also receives a sensory keyring - designed to support engagement, choice, and play. Audiences are also encouraged to move freely and make noise.
Miranda Debenham, disabled producer for The Blanket Fort Club, said: “Accessible and inclusive storytelling is not only more fun, engaging and thoughtful than traditional theatre, it is also opening up doors for the next generation to experience art in all its forms.”
The show has been co-created with children from four SEND schools in Rotherham in partnership with Nexus Academy Trust.
Through this work, children have made artwork and design work to shape the show and will watch it come alive on stage at the premiere as part of Rotherham’s Children’s Capital of Culture celebrations.
Miranda added: “This work platforms the creativity of young people often underrepresented in the arts.
“ 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 is funded by Arts Council England and commissioned by Barnsley Civic and Stockton Arts Centre.
It is suitable for people with neurodiversity, autism spectrum disorder, profound and multiple learning disabilities, and other complex needs.
It will be performed at Oldham Coliseum on May 28, Harrogate Theatre (May 29), and Interplay Theatre in Leeds (May 30), before finishing at Sheffield Theatres on August 2.
You can now book tickets for the Oldham show.
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