The Unicorn Theatre commissioned award-winning playwright, Diane Samuels, (Kindertransport), to write a play for the new Unicorn Theatre.

Inspired by the myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, and Oscar Wilde’s "The Picture of Dorian Gray", the central character of which is granted his wish to remain forever young and handsome while his portrait ages and withers, the play looked at the concept of beauty and self-image for today’s children/young teenagers.

At the heart of the piece was an investigation of children’s own beliefs and images. As part of its wider commitment to involving children in the company’s research and development programme, Year 6 at Friars Primary School, Southwark, took part in research workshops during November and December 2004, with playwright Diane Samuels, Visual Artist Bhajan Hunjan and the Unicorn’s Education and Youth Director, Alison Barry. These were a practical exploration of the concepts and ideas that provided the current starting point for this new play for children and young people.