As the opening line of the programme goes: "Something Very Far Away is a play about death", but it’s beautiful and uplifting, quite the opposite of what this morbid introduction suggests.
The story is simple: a man travels the universe in search of understanding of his wife's death, but what’s most magical about this play is the way it’s performed. Four cameras are set up, all of which are connected to a big screen so the story is ‘filmed’ in front of your eyes; the five-strong company move silently in the dark as they bring life to various puppets and props in a refreshingly simple and captivating way. And just as magical is the music: the original score by Mark Arends is performed live on acoustic guitar, and very much acts as the words in this otherwise silent play. Lasting only 40 minutes, it's quirky and completely charming.
The piece is aimed at children (Unicorn Theatre is the UK’s leading theatre for audiences between 2 and 21), yet we couldn’t help but notice that the audience was made up mostly by adults (and it was the adults laughing throughout it too). This tiny play had a sell-out run in 2012 and received rave reviews, so don't miss it this time round; it has wonderful imagination and inspires with its humble simplicity.
Something Very Far Away runs at the Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street SE1, until 2 June. Suitable for ages 8+. Tickets £10-£16. Londonist saw this performance on a complimentary press ticket.
