The Unknown Island, theatre review: Rich in playful ambition

At first glance, this one-hour adaptation of a fairytale-like short story by the late Portuguese Nobel Laureate José Saramago might seem an odd, too-slight choice for the start of a regime from a new artistic director. Yet Ellen McDougall isn’t one of the great young hopes of British theatre for nothing and the piece, which she herself directs, soon reveals itself to be rich in playful ambition and political intent, not to mention some charming balloons.

The narration is split between four actors, among whom Thalissa Teixeira shines particularly brightly. A man goes to see a king with a request: he wants a boat to go in search of an unknown island.

World-weary cynics scoff; everything there is to be known has already been discovered. Yet the lowly palace cleaning woman believes in the mission and off the pair set, with all sorts of obstacles both internal and external to overcome.

The inquisitive actors revel in this gently beguiling piece of storytelling and we get to share in the ship’s provisions en route. I have a strong feeling that McDougall will sail us to many more enticing unknown theatrical islands during her time in Notting Hill.

Until Oct 7, Gate Theatre; gatetheatre.co.uk