CentralDramaFeaturedReview

Wonder Boy – Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

Reviewer: Mattie Bagnall

Writer: Ross Willis

Director: Sally Cookson

“Growing up is hard enough but growing up with a stammer is relentless”

These reflective words by Ross Willis carry genuine meaning as he has been able to write a powerful play that Trhhighlights the ever-growing struggles of a young boy battling the internal agony of someone unable to communicate and express themselves fully. This play delves deep into the anxiety-ridden mind of a boy embarking on teenage life without control over his voice.

Willis and director Sally Cookson have delivered a production that is hilarious, emotional, and empowering in equal measure. Sonny (on this occasion, played by understudy, Samir Mahat) arrives at his new school fearful of what is coming his way. Things don’t get off to the best start when he is described as a psychopath for throwing forks, much to the surprise of serial troublemaker Roshi (Naia Elliott-Spence) who faces competition for winning the award of most misunderstood pupil in the school. The use of comic book hero Captain Chatter (Ciaran O’Breen), born out of Sonny’s imagination, to be the one person he can trust and be understood by is also a clever addition to the story.

Sonny’s outbursts are hard-hitting and serve as a reality check for a young person unable to express their feelings. While these moments are raw and powerful, there are other times in the opening stages of the play where Sonny is able to verbalise his thoughts; not least when calling his teacher “a Waitrose w*****”, much to the amusement of the audience. His teacher Wainwright does an admirable job in absorbing Sonny’s insults, but it is Eva Scott’s overall portrayal of the teacher which deserves credit. Wainwright has a blunt personality with dry humour which leads to many hilarious interactions with Sonny as they attempt to build a trusting bond. It is a heart-warming – albeit bumpy at times – journey where we witness empathy and pride in helping Sonny develop the vocal power to showcase his talents and identity.

This play is sure to be popular for secondary school theatre trips, as was clear on this night in Wolverhampton. The taboo jokes and colourful language are relevant and sure to be appreciated by young people watching. Special mention must go to Roshi’s hilarious presentation of the Hamlet plot which utilised every trending slang word found on social media in 2024. There are occasional moments where comedy is forced in at serious moments – such as eating paper balls – which distracts from powerful scenes, but otherwise Willis and Cookson have excelled in putting together an important show which raises awareness of such a significant issue in an engaging way.

There is some clever political messaging inserted through the use of headteacher ‘Fish’ (Jessica Murrain) who places extra importance on data, grades and behaviour forms as a means to impress inspectors. This is at odds with Wainwright who evidently has success through getting to know the students and truly understand them instead of filling in paperwork.

Captions and sign language are neatly woven into the foundations of the play to become an integral part of it. The themes of the play also evidently promote inclusivity, and there are creative choices which really champion this. The moments when Sonny is able to freeze reality and verbalise every thought that he is so desperate to express are both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

Overall,Wonder Boy really is a wonderful story, full of emotion and comedy which will engage audiences young and old. It is a rollercoaster of a play which captures the realities of life with a stammer that we may otherwise not be able to fully appreciate and understand. Willis is right when he says he “wanted to write something that could only ever be a piece of theatre”.

Runs until 5 October 2024 and on tour

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The Central team is under the editorship of Selwyn Knight. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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