When a long-standing marriage starts to feel stale, is the answer to bring in a third person to rekindle the lost spark? How would the individuals involved navigate such an arrangement and would it strengthen or weaken their bond? These are the central questions in Unicorn, Mike Bartlett’s new play, currently running at London’s Garrick Theatre. Offering a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of polyamorous relationships, Unicorn delves into the joys and tensions of a throuple dynamic and like any relationship, no matter how successful, this play has its highs and lows.
Polly (Nicola Walker) and Nick (Stephen Mangan) are a middle-aged, middle-class couple who have been married for years, have two children, and still love each other. However, they admit that their relationship has lost the vibrancy and passion it once had. Polly, a teacher, has formed a strong connection with her 28-year-old student, Kate (Erin Doherty). Over drinks, the conversation turns to the idea of Kate becoming a “unicorn” in Polly’s marriage, a term for a third person introduced into an existing relationship. Kate, adventurous and open about her sexuality, is interested in the idea, especially given her attraction to Polly.
Nick, a doctor, initially has reservations about the new marital arrangement but agrees to meet Kate. It doesn’t take long before the two, in quite explicit terms, discuss their desires and what their dynamic as a throuple might look like. What began as a suggestion over drinks propels the trio into a journey into the unknown, challenging them to confront their preconceptions about love, relationships and commitment.
The story unfolds through a series of snapshots capturing the evolution of the three-way relationship, along with the anxieties and awkwardness that come with it. There is a time jump between the scenes, which are separated by blackouts to allow the stage to be reset, and these slightly disrupt the narrative flow. However, under James MacDonald’s skilful direction, the play strikes a fine balance between comedy and depth, drawing the audience into the characters’ private world.
The sense of intimacy is enhanced by Miriam Buether’s minimalist set design. The stage remains bare except for a rotating selection of things to sit on, including a living room sofa, bar stools and a park bench, each framed by a lighted arch that defines the boundaries of the action.
Mike Bartlett‘s writing is both witty and insightful, examining the nuances of polyamory and the challenges of finding fulfilment in a marriage. The play’s strength lies in its ability to weave humour into serious conversations through sharp and engaging dialogue.
The play is elevated by a wonderful cast. Nicola Walker delivers a great performance as Polly, embodying a compelling mix of vulnerability and determination as she struggles to rekindle the spark in her marriage. Stephen Mangan excels as Nick, portraying the complexities of a man torn between tradition and desire. Erin Doherty‘s Kate is a joy to watch, bringing vibrant energy to her role which serves as both a driving force within the throuple and as a confidante for the married pair. The cast’s chemistry is strong, with Walker and Mangan in particular creating believable and engaging interactions.
Unicorn has much to enjoy, but its format prevents it from truly sparkling. The play leans heavily on dialogue rather than action, with each scene unfolding as a conversation between two or three characters, either expressing their desires or reflecting on past events. While this approach is executed well, it limits the storytelling, relying more on telling than showing. The play funny without being hilarious and dramatic without being compelling. However, it remains a fascinating exploration of the complexities of a polyamorous relationship, elevated by stellar performances, skilful direction and a sharp script, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining theatrical experience.
NEED TO KNOW: Unicorn plays at the Garrick theatre until 26 April 2025
