Queen Camilla reminisced about secret theatre trips with her grandchildren as she chatted to actor Rory Kinnear and author Malorie Blackman on Wednesday afternoon during a visit to the Unicorn Theatre.
Camilla, 77, who serves as a patron to the theatre, celebrated the launch of the Unicorns Creative Hub.
The engagement took place at Britain’s largest children’s theatre, which welcomes 60,000 families and schools annually.
The Queen toured the venue to learn more about its work, latest productions and community impact.
Queen Camilla visited the Unicorn Theatre on Wednesday in her role as Patron to celebrate the launch of the Unicorns Creative Hub
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Reflecting on the visit, Kinnear said: “[The Unicorn] is somewhere I used to bring my kids when they were small, I still bring my youngest, and we were just talking about how she used to bring her grandchildren, but we’re both at the point where they’re almost becoming too old now.”
He added: “It’s a wonderful place not only for entertaining kids but also for inspiring and giving that first taste of creativity and imagination for so many people.”
The Unicorn Theatre, a registered charity, aims to bring theatrical experiences to young audiences across the UK.
During her visit, the Queen met with staff and participants while exploring various aspects of the theatre’s operations.
Queen Camilla observed a Creative Hub Schools Workshop featuring pupils from Snowfields Primary
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In addition, her Majesty observed a Creative Hub Schools Workshop featuring pupils from Snowfields Primary.
The young students engaged in a special creative session, crafting original poetry focused on commemorating the lost animals of the British Isles.
The Queen then attended a special discussion in the Unicorn’s Weston Theatre, where Creative Associates engaged with Malorie Blackman OBE about the theatre’s current production of Pig Heart Boy.
The Creative Associates, children aged 8-13 years old, work alongside Unicorn artists to shape productions, in an effort to ensure that performances resonate with young audiences.
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The Queen then attended a special discussion in the Unicorn’s Weston Theatre
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Their collaborative approach is part of the theatre’s commitment to authentic youth representation in their productions.
The discussion centred on the importance of creativity in childhood, with young participants sharing their perspectives.
Her Majesty concluded her visit by joining a reception with guests, staff and supporters of the theatre, celebrating the institution’s ongoing work in children’s theatre.