Southwark families flock to the Unicorn’s community day

To coincide with the Tooley Street children's theatre's current programme of Japanese plays the day was packed with Japanese themed events, all of which were completely free to Southwark residents.

These included four performances of the plays Hello Maru-Chan and The Twin Stars, origami and theatre workshops for families and demonstrations in calligraphy, manga drawing, sushi making and kimono dressing.

There were also spectacular outdoor performances by the Taiko drumming group Dojo Drummers in The Scoop amphitheatre and the day culminated in a discussion about growing up in Japan and the UK.

Nearly a thousand people turned out to enjoy the day's events, including Mayor of Southwark Cllr Bob Skelly who attended a performance of The Twin Stars and had a go at some of the workshops on offer including dressing up in a kimono. Cllr Skelly is also a member of the Unicorn's board.

"I am extremely pleased with the number of people who turned up despite the less than favourable weather," says Unicorn Theatre manager Carolyn Forsyth.

"We were filled to our capacity for most of the day. This was a great opportunity for us both to celebrate our 60th anniversary with our regular visitors and to open the Unicorn to those Southwark residents who have not visited us yet.

"We've received tremendous feedback and are hoping to be able to host a similar event every year."