It’s an unlikely choice for the Christmas bill, but the wintry ‘Odd and the Frost Giants’ proves a brave and surprising hit at the Unicorn Theatre this festive season. Inspired by Norse mythology and based on the work of Neil Gaiman this not so christmassy Christmas show feels like a coming of age event for Unicorns emerging teen audience. Armed with my own miniature Asgardian gods aged 6,7 and 8 we watched eagerly to bring you our Odd and the Frost Giants Unicorn Theatre Review.
Odd is an aptly named outcast in his Viking village. Despised by his step father he has only his mother for comfort and the carved toys left to him by his father who ‘died on his way back from Scotland’. An unlikely hero, Odd breaks out only to find himself accosted by the Gods – Loki, Thor and Odin – who have taken the form of woodland animals under the curse of a Frost Giant. Thrown out from the realm of Asgard the mighty Gods recruit Odd who vows to overthrow the wicked troll.
It’s a simple enough story but the delivery is dense and heavy at times. At least for me that is – my Beast Quest loving and Marvel obsessed boys are all too familiar with these characters and seem unperturbed by the lengthy prose and stark static stagescape.
Whist there is no singing and dancing in this show, the pace still packs a punch and that is likely due to the wonderful characterisation of the three gods. Georgia Frost as the straight talking Bear (Thor), looks and sounds like he’s stepped out of the Hacienda dressed in puffer coat, silver combats and beanie hat. Leo Wan as Loki reduced to a cunning fox wonderfully blurs the lines of friend or foe and Simon Startin as the Eagle shaped Odin presents a convincing wise oracle even if he does get little to say. Sam Pay as always gives an engaging performance as the simpleton goliath easily outwitted by Odd.
Milla Clarke’s set is aptly minimalist with large abstract snowy trees in the form of bristly foam rollers which look more like a wonderland carwash. Further channelling the scandi noir is the stark lighting and projections by Simisola Majekodunmi. The visual captions also serve to add texture as well as accessibility.
The production poses important lessons about family, finding your own truth and self belief. It gloriously champions the underdog and reminds us not judge by appearances.
It’s a meaty dose of theatre which was hungrily devoured particularly by my eldest who at 8yrs is transitioning out of the 3-7yr theatre bracket. Odd and the Frost Giants is aimed at 7+ and with a running time of 2 hours (including interval) there is little to keep younger siblings in their seats despite efforts to fill the auditorium with bubbles and projected stars and some scant attempt at audience participation at the end. This may not be a show for all the family but it serves a huge niche of fantasy loving young people who will delight in this Gruffalo meets Game of Thrones style adventure.
If you are looking for a show that is both stimulating and a departure from the tinsel and teeth this festive season be sure to catch Odd and the Frost Giants at the Unicorn Theatre until 31st Dec.
Want more Christmas Kids Theatre suggestions? Read our Ultimate Festive Theatre Guide
Cast & Creatives:
Video/ caption Design: Sarah Readman
Freya/Mum: Lorraine Adeyefa
