Sparking curiosity and imagination through sensory play
Whatever the Weather, a brand-new play installation from Linbury Prize finalist Rūta Irbīte, which runs in the Unicorn’s Clore Theatre until 16 August 2026.
Whatever the Weather invites children aged 0-7 and their grown-ups to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of weather, sparking curiosity and imagination together through sensory play, theatrical elements and sound journeys. This new play experience, with dramaturgy by Daniel Naddafy, is presented by the Unicorn and Theatre Hullabaloo, where it will continue after its summer run at the Unicorn, from 2 September 2026 – 6 February 2027.
Whatever the Weather has been co-designed with young audiences through a series of co-created play sessions with local families, run by the Unicorn’s Creative Hub department. Through discoveries in these sessions, the creative team has responded to and further developed the play elements which make up the experience.
Whatever the Weather is an immersive playscape experience inviting children and their grown-ups to play creatively together. Get closer to nature and experience rain, snow, sunshine, and more, in this playful, interactive space designed to uncover the wonders of weather and how it shapes our everyday lives. Inspired by ideas from local children, Whatever the Weather is an artist-designed space that celebrates the different ways children naturally play – encouraging families to discover, imagine and explore together.
Designer Rūta Irbīte said: “As a creative team, we were interested in challenging the predictable aesthetics often associated with children’s work, instead creating an environment that feels atmospheric and sophisticated while remaining inclusive and accessible. Ultimately, Whatever the Weather is about shared experience – it invites a sense of wonder and offers a place for connection across generations in an ever-changing environment.”
Dramaturg Daniel Naddafy said: “Working alongside an expert team, we have co-created a space that is both stylish and endlessly open-ended, rich with sensory experiences, hidden surprises, and opportunities for imaginative play. Whatever the Weather invites everyone to explore freely and make the world their own.”
Completing the creative team are Composer and Sound Designer Deanna H Choi, Lighting Designer Tyler Forward, Production Manager Chloe Stally Gibson, Digital Technologist Jonathan Green, Associate Sound Designer Raffaela Pancucci, Co-Creative Play Consultant Lucy Cassidy, Access Consultant Natalya Martin, and Creative Hub Facilitators Charlene Low and Stasha Dukic.
Whatever the Weather is a Theatre Green Book Intermediate production, with 60% of the show being made from recycled or reused materials and 70% of materials to be re-used or recycled after the show.
Clore Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ
Friday 3 July – Sunday 16 August 2026
Sensory Adapted Performances: Tuesday 7 July 12pm, Thursday 9 July 11am, Friday 10 July 12pm, Tuesday 14 July 11am, Saturday 25 July 1pm, Saturday 8 August 11am
Tickets: £5.50 – £9.50
Age range: 0-7
Booking and full details: https://www.unicorntheatre.com/events/whatever-the-weather
