Unicorn Theatre Presents THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER Today, Nov 25

The Unicorn Theatre's Christmas show, The Prince and The Pauper is a lively adaptation by Jemma Kennedy of Mark Twain's classic story of confused identities.

Set in a Tudor London, a young street urchin Tom Canty has a chance meeting with the heir to the throne, Prince Edward VI and by pure coincidence they find they look almost identical.

The Prince and The Pauper is a classic story of what happens when two boys swap clothes one afternoon and as a result swap lives as well; Tom Canty is forced into a world of royal intrigue and courtly power, while Edward is cast down to the mercy of blaggards and thieves. At once brilliantly comic, touching and true, this is a fast-paced and rousing adventure with music for all the family.

Real life twins Danielle and Nichole Bird will play the Tom Canty and Edward VI. The versatile cast also includes Nicholas Boulton as Henry VIII/John Canty, Richard Evans as Father Andrew, Jonathan Glew as Hereford, Jake Harders as Miles Hendon/Busker, Jason Morell as Bet/Elizabeth and Katherine Toy as Mrs Canty. The eight performers play a total of forty roles while singing and playing medieval instruments ranging from Lutes to Renaissance woodwinds.

Selina Cartmell directs. Her credits include The Broken Heart (Off=Broadway), Deirdre (Abbey Theatre), Macbeth, Titus Andronicus (winner of 4 Irish Times Theatre Awards including Best Production and Best Director); La Musica (Best Production and Best Actress; Dublin Fringe Festival), Molly Sweeney (Curve, Leicester), The Cordelia Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company) and The Giant Blue Hand (The Ark), Only An Apple, Big Love and Woman and Scarecrow (Abbey Theatre), Festen and Catastrophe (Barbican Theatre, London).

Selina is Artistic Director of the multi award-winning company Siren Productions based in Dublin. In 2007 she was chosen as a Protégé in the third cycle of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, an international philanthropic programme that pairs rising young artists with master artists for a year of mentoring. Selina's mentor was world-renowned director and designer Julie Taymor.

The production is designed by Garance Marneur with costumes by Susan Kukarni. Lighting is by Chahine Yavroyan. Musical direction and composition are by Antony Elvin. Fight direction is by Kate Waters.

The Prince and The Pauper is suitable for ages 6 and up and indeed for all the family.

Tickets for adults are £22, and £15 for Concessions and Under 21s. All tickets to preview performances (before 29 November) are £15 and all tickets to relaxed performances are £11. Performances run from 25 November through 13 January.

There are many special rates available. For groups of 10 or more, every eleventh ticket is free. Disabled customers may bring one free carer. Tickets are 20% off when purchasing four (must include at least on Under 21 ticket.) Tickets for school groups are £10 and one teacher goes free for every ten students paid.

The Unicorn Theatre is located at 147 Tooley Street, London. For information, visit www.unicorntheatre.com or contact the box office on 020 7645 0560.

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