Mike Bartlett masterfully uses every word in his thought-provoking new play “Unicorn,” which challenges the definition of traditional marriage and turns it on its head. Featuring Anne, Stephen Mangan, and Nicola Walker, the play forces the audience to think from a new perspective, where relationships and their boundaries are questioned. A bold and revolutionary narrative that rejects old notions.
Redefining Love Triangles: From Austen to Bartlett’s Unicorn
In terms of love triangles, the triangle between Elizabeth Bennett, Mr. Darcy, and George Wickham in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a classic example. Similarly, recently Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers featured a similar love triangle between Zendaya, Tashi Donaldson, Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist). But in Mike Bartlett’s play, this traditional love triangle takes a new twist.
In this play, a married couple is looking to add a ‘unicorn’ to their lifestyle. This ‘unicorn’ is not a business dream, but as pointed out by The Crown‘s Erin Doherty (Kate), it is a term used by a married couple to denote a person who fulfills their romantic or sexual desires. Now the phrase ‘unicorn-hunting’ has spread in society, referring to an impossible and rare discovery.
Unicorn: A Bold Exploration of Desire and Boundaries
Directed by James Macdonald, Unicorn opens with Walker and Doherty in its world premiere. In the scene, Walker is drinking a lemon soda while Doherty sits holding a glass of G&T. Doherty, a mature student, is absolutely brimming with admiration for Walker, her former university teacher, whom she considers a poetic genius. There is clear chemistry between the two, and undeniable flirting is evident even in the absurd body language. The conversation soon takes a vulgar turn as their intentions become clear.
For Walker, a middle-aged wife and mother of two, the proposal feels like a radical, Garden of Eden-like situation. Doherty seems like forbidden fruit, and Walker (who is believably terrified) repeatedly flinches at her hints and puts her hands over her mouth. For Doherty, the situation is clear, as she is a 28-year-old Gen Z and Millennial woman with a better understanding of modern sexual arrangements.
Unicorn: A Bold Exploration of Love and Unconventional Relationships
This new play, “Unicorn,” unexpectedly explores the complexities of new relationships from the perspective of polite, middle-class parents. At times, these characters are uncomfortable thinking about these relationships. This effort by the Garrick Theatre is particularly interesting because it shows a deep commitment to romantic themes. From the musical play Why Am I So Single?, which explored the search for love in a digital-first world, the journey has now moved to the concept of a ‘thruple’, where a play like ‘Unicorn’ explores this new social relationship.
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The Dynamics of Desire and Relationships in “Unicorn”
The conversations and meetings (or ‘dates’) between Walker and Doherty, then Walker and Mangan, and finally Mangan and Doherty are key in the first scene. There is a lot of kissing and touching in these scenes, but none of the situations are risqué (which may be good news for those who avoid sexuality). Was the desire believable? At times, it felt a little PG, with the complexities of the logistics, influence, and politics of the arrangement seeming more important or tangled than the physical action. Still, the dialogue created a compelling and thought-provoking discussion.
The Complexities of Desire and Romance in “Unicorn”
Of course, this play is about desire, but it’s also entangled in romantic politics—there are many layers of acceptance and consent, and there’s also the added complication of Polly (Walker) and Nick (Mangan) having children, which may affect the conclusions they reach. Walker is clearly excited by the idea of this new romantic set-up, while Mangan is more reticent. They play these roles superbly; Walker moves a mile a minute, like a soldier who swears fealty, while Mangan is quieter and more principled and sees this proposal in the light of day, expecting judgment from his middle-class friends. How will this fit into their current lives? Their chemistry between the seasoned husband-wife cast is exceptionally effective.
A deeper exploration of the set design and relationships in “Unicorn”
The use of props in the play is minimal, and all scenes take place around a dark orange sofa, just big enough to seat three people. The set design reflects a small room, perhaps chosen on purpose to create an intimate and personal atmosphere amongst the audience. The lighting is also very simple throughout the play, giving it a workmanlike and realistic tone. During a small set change, the set plays an 1892 song called ‘Daisy Bell’, which seems to be attempting to challenge the establishment’s thinking.
In this play, Mike Bartlett inspires the audience to rethink traditional marriage and relationships, spanning across different generations. Through these three excellent actors and using sharp, sometimes crude humor, Bartlett presents the play with absolute precision, making every word count, making the concept come across safely and engagingly.