Quentin Blake mural unveiled at Tooley Street’s Unicorn Theatre

It is five years since Lord Attenborough opened the Unicorn Theatre building on Tooley Street.

To mark the anniversary the well-loved children's illustrator Quentin Blake has created a procession of 20 brand new theatrical characters on the theatre's walls.

He and fellow Unicorn patron Jude Law will celebrate the mural's launch on Saturday 20 November at ANIMATED!, a special gala event in which they will take to the stage in an illustrated conversation featuring live illustration, performance and storytelling.

Also unveiled will be an exhibition of characters inspired by his drawings, created by children from Unicorn partner schools.

Quentin's six favourite creations will take their place on the wall in the theatre foyer, alongside his own illustrations.

Blake conceived the mural as a gift to the Unicorn to support the theatre's Play Your Part campaign, which is raising funds to help engage underprivileged children in theatre and art.

"I think of illustrating as a kind of theatre on the page, so it is a particular pleasure to be working with the Unicorn on this campaign," says Quentin Blake.

"We want to inspire children by putting pictures on the walls, supporting literacy in schools and commissioning writing for the stage, and we invite you to join us on this magical journey."