New Work by Quentin Blake Unveiled on Theatre Walls

LONDON, November 16, 2010 - Quentin Blake will this week unveil a new large-scale work created as a
gift to London children's theatre the Unicorn to celebrate its 5th
anniversary and support its work with underprivileged children.

The well-loved children's illustrator has created a procession of twenty
brand-new theatrical characters on the theatre's walls.

He and fellow Unicorn patron Jude Law will celebrate the mural's launch
on Sat 20 November at ANIMATED!, a special gala event in which they will take
to the stage in an illustrated conversation featuring live illustration,
performance and storytelling.

Also unveiled will be an exhibition of characters inspired by his
drawings, created by children from Unicorn partner schools. Quentin's six
favourite creations will take their place on the wall in the theatre foyer,
alongside his own illustrations.

Blake conceived the mural as a gift to the Unicorn to support the
theatre's Play Your Part campaign, which is raising funds to help engage
underprivileged children in theatre and art. He explains,

"I think of illustrating as a kind of theatre on the page, so it is a
particular pleasure to be working with the Unicorn on this campaign. We want
to inspire children by putting pictures on the walls, supporting literacy in
schools and commissioning writing for the stage, and we invite you to join us
on this magical journey."

Press passes are limited, and there will be no admission without them, so
they will be issued ahead of the event on a strictly first come, first served
basis. Passes will allow journalists to attend the staged part of the event,
but there will be no opportunity for questions with Jude or Quentin.
Audio/video recording is subject to permission - please state your
requirements when requesting press passes.

ANIMATED! Event details

    At: Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ
    Booking: +44(0)20-7645-0560 or www.unicorntheatre.com/animated(no
    booking fee). Dates: Sat 20 Nov
    Time: 3.30pm
    Tickets (all tickets admit 1 adult and up to 2 children): Premium GBP250;
    Standard - Stalls: GBP125; Standard - Circle: GBP100. All ticket prices
    include a donation to the Play Your Part campaign.

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA
Photowire. It can be downloaded from www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or
viewed at www.mediapoint.press.net or www.prnewswire.co.uk.

For more information or press passes to ANIMATED!, please contact Rachel
Stroud, Unicorn Press and Marketing Officer, before 12 noon Friday 19 Nov on
+44(0)20-7645-0545 / rachel.stroud@unicorntheatre.com

For more information or press passes to ANIMATED!, please contact Rachel Stroud, Unicorn Press and Marketing Officer, before 12 noon Friday 19 Nov on +44(0)20-7645-0545 / rachel.stroud at unicorntheatre.com